Emotional Exhaustion among Undergraduate Student Volunteers: A Conceptual Review from a Conservation of Resources Perspective

Abstract

Volunteering is widely institutionalized within higher education as a mechanism for promoting civic engagement, social responsibility, and holistic student development. Although its benefits are well established, growing evidence suggests that volunteer engagement may also entail unintended psychological costs, particularly among undergraduate students. One such consequence is emotional exhaustion, a core dimension of burnout characterized by emotional and physical depletion arising from sustained demands. This conceptual review synthesizes existing literature on emotional exhaustion among undergraduate student volunteers, integrating developmental, cultural, motivational, and organizational perspectives. Anchored in Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, the review examines causes, manifestations, and consequences of emotional exhaustion, as well as coping strategies and protective factors relevant to student volunteers. By drawing on international scholarship and Philippine-based studies, this paper identifies critical gaps in the literature and underscores the need for early recognition and preventive interventions. Implications for higher education institutions, volunteer organizations, and mental health practitioners are discussed, with emphasis on promoting sustainable volunteer engagement and student well-being.