Volunteering is an activity with relevant implications for virtually all branches of the humanities. The goal of our research was to examine the mental health indicators of individuals engaged in volunteer activities in Hungary, using a non-representative but demographically diverse sample. Our study focused on subjective and psychological well-being, as well as on depression, anxiety, and stress—factors that pose risks to mental health—and the role of social well-being as a potential protective factor.The sample consisted of 492 individuals volunteering within the formal organizational frameworks in Hungary. Women were overrepresented in the sample, while other sociodemographic characteristics and the areas of volunteering were heterogeneous. Data collection occurred online between February and May 2024, using validated scales. The volunteers in our study reported significantly higher satisfaction with their volunteer work than their paid employment. Their mental health showed positive correlations with a sense of meaningfulness in life and volunteer work, as well as with social networks. The meningful experiencing of volunteering was linked to the satisfaction of basic psychological needs, including autonomy, competence, and relatedness. On the other hand, mental health negatively correlated with stress, depression, and anxiety. Compared to previous studies involving non-volunteers, the volunteers in our sample scored higher on mental well-being indicators. In our regression model, satisfaction with paid employment was primarily predicted by the fulfillment of autonomy and a sense of belonging at the workplace. In contrast, satisfaction with volunteer work was positively predicted by the perceived meaningfulness of the work, the fulfillment of autonomy, and competence needs in volunteering, and a more mature age. Our findings emphasize the importance for leaders and coordinators of civil-nonprofit organizations to monitor the current mental health status of volunteers, avoid emotional overload, and support the meaningfulness of their work alongside the fulfillment of their psychological needs. Additionally, attention should be given to aligning volunteer activities with individual life responsibilities, such as family and paid employment.

Keywords: volunteering, subjective well-being, psychological well-being, mental health, social well-being