Service motivation and its associated factors among palliative care volunteers with self-reported personality traits: a cross-sectional study in China

Personality plays a crucial role in shaping the motivation of palliative care volunteers, a key factor in sustaining high-quality end-of-life care. However, previous studies have paid limited attention to whether factors associated with service motivation vary across different personality profiles. This study aimed to examine the associations between personality traits and service motivation and to identify factors associated with service motivation among palliative care volunteers in China. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between April and November 2025 among 326 palliative care volunteers providing companionship, emotional support, and other non-clinical supportive services for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families in Zhejiang Province, Jiangsu Province, and Shanghai, China. Volunteers were selected using convenience sampling. Service motivation was measured with the Chinese version of the Volunteer Functions Inventory (VFI), while social support was assessed using the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). Group comparisons were conducted using nonparametric tests, and stratified multiple linear regression analyses were performed in SPSS version 24.0 to identify factors associated with service motivation within each personality group. The median VFI score was 150.00 (interquartile range: 132.00–173.00). Volunteers who identified as extraverted had significantly higher motivation levels than those who were introverted. Age ≥ 60 years and urban residence were consistently associated with higher service motivation in both personality groups ( P < 0.05). For extraverted volunteers, having an average monthly income > RMB 8,000 was associated with lower motivation ( P < 0.05). Conversely, among volunteers with self-reported introverted personality traits, having an educational level of associate degree/bachelor’s degree or above and having > 3 years of volunteering experience were associated with lower levels of service motivation, whereas greater social support was significantly associated with higher motivation ( P < 0.05). Service motivation among Chinese palliative care volunteers varied with self-reported personality traits, and several factors were associated with motivation within each personality group. These findings highlight the importance of considering individual differences, including demographic and social variables, in volunteer recruitment and management. Tailored volunteer management strategies that account for individual differences could help enhance engagement and sustained participation among Chinese palliative care volunteers.