Journal of Educational, Health and Community Psychology
VOL 15 NO 2 JUNE 2026

Habituating The Heart: The Role of Early Volunteerism in Developing Psychological Traits of Christian Leadership

Tan Lie Lie (Department of Theology, STT Anugrah Indonesia)
Janto Chandra (Department of Theology STT Anugrah Indonesia)
Warren Chandra (Independent Researcher)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 May 2026

Abstract

This study examined the psychological mechanisms through which early volunteerism among young Christians contributes to the formation of leadership traits. A growing body of literature underscores the importance of formative experiences in shaping prosocial behavior and leadership character; however, research linking habitual early volunteerism specifically to Christian leadership psychology remains limited. Using a quantitative correlational design, 214 young Christian volunteers (ages 17–25) from Protestant churches in Jakarta and Salatiga were surveyed using the Volunteer Motivation Inventory (VMI), the Leadership Trait Questionnaire (LTQ), and the Christian Leadership Identity Scale (CLIS). Results indicated significant positive correlations between habitual volunteerism and traits of empathy (r = .58, p < .01), self-regulation (r = .51, p < .01), and servant leadership orientation (r = .63, p < .01). Habit strength moderated the relationship between motivation and leadership trait development. These findings suggest that structured, early-stage voluntary service functions as a psycho-spiritual incubator for leadership development within Christian communities.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

Psychology

Publisher

Subject

Education Public Health

Description

Journal of Educational, Health, and Community Psychology (JEHCP) published an article, and empirical study that have originality, novelty and fill the gap of knowledge, that focused on educational psychology, health psychology and community psychology. JEHCP is an open access peer reviewed, ...