An analysis of the expected and actual benefits of membership in the National Therapeutic Recreation Society

Theoretical research has shown that members of a profession join voluntary professional associations because of the benefits they believe they will receive in exchange. What are the reasons why therapeutic recreation professionals join the National Therapeutic Recreation Society, and what is the discrepancy between the benefits they expect to receive and those that they actually receive? Does demographic data such as job position, educational level, membership status or number of years as a member have an effect on expected and actual membership benefits? In this study, a survey designed to assess the expected and actual benefits of membership in the National Therapeutic Recreation Society was mailed to 200 society members (N=2953). A total of 98 surveys were returned for a response rate of 49%.

The results showed that there was little discrepancy between members expected benefits and the benefits they actually received, except in the areas of facilitation of professional status with those in related areas and special skills development. Respondents expected these benefits, but did not believe that they existed. In addition, they were more likely not to consider social benefits as expected benefits of membership than they were substantive benefits. The frequency of response for questions was too small to statistically define the relationship between demographic data and expected and actual benefits of membership, so the information created by the analysis is descriptively presented and discussed. It is concluded that those who are members of the National Therapeutic Recreation Society generally receive the benefits that they expect when making the decision to join the organization.