Social and Psychological Aspects

Motivations for Mask Making and Donating

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Abstract

This study set out to understand what motivated individuals to make cloth face masks and donate them to others during a global health crisis. This research will provide socio-psychological context on volunteering during a global pandemic. Using a Voluntary Functions Inventory (VFI) model comprising values, understanding, social, career, protective and enhancement, we surveyed 112 sewists in the United States who made and donated face masks during the COVID19 pandemic. The results showed that during the COVID19 pandemic, sewists were motivated by the more altruistic functional motives of values and understanding than by personal goals of career advancement or protection. Altogether, the current survey results indicate a correlation between the sewists’ motivations to volunteer during the COVID-19 pandemic and both their deep concern for the healthcare professionals and others needing masks (their values) as well as their desire for a new experience (their understanding). 

Keywords: face masks, motivation, volunteerism, sewing

How to Cite:

Carrico, M., Bang, H. & Brathwaite, C., (2022) “Motivations for Mask Making and Donating”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 78(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.13387