The dynamics of voluntary motives among the individuals of the helping professions

the article describes the results of a study identifying the patterns of motives for voluntary activities, as well as the ability to control and regulate them. The following methods of practical psychology were used: bibliographical, interview, survey, questionnaire, self-examination, analysis of outcomes, experimental set-up, processing and interpretation of results. Psychology students of St. Petersburg State University of Fire Service under the Russian Emergency Ministry and St. Petersburg Institute of Psychology and Social Work participated in the experiment conducted from 2010 to 2015. The analysis of the students’ planning work, their diary entries, questionnaires and interviews led to the following conclusions: in the process of completion of a 30-day assignment, students occasionally experienced crises caused by a conflict between motives and results of activity. Those students who noted positive moments on a daily basis and used verbal affirmations regarding their targets remained productive in achieving their goals for a longer period of time. The obtained results may be used for volunteer work. The author concludes that organizational regulations to support the voluntary nature of activities and maintain volunteers’ performance capacity will be more effective if: a) volunteers are informed about a possible conflict between motives and results; b) all concerned parties are taught the methods and techniques of solving the crises; c) leaders and organizers use non-financial incentives phase-by-phase (considering regularities in crisis periods).