Abstract

This study examined ecological factors shaping rural volunteer caregiver turnover intentions. Guided by an adaptation of Bronfenbrenner’s Process-Person-Context model, the study utilised in-depth interviews with 12 caregivers and contextual observations. Reflexive thematic analysis reveals that turnover intention results from synergistic ecological collapse rather than isolated stressors. Macrosystemic neglect – defined by institutional invisibility and cultural devaluation – constructs a resource-deprived microsystem wherein daily caregiving processes function as mechanisms of depletion. Consequently, the daily proximal processes of caregiving shift from pedagogical engagement to depleting labour. These external pressures progressively erode the caregivers’ intrinsic altruism and professional identity, fuelling intentions to withdraw for economic survival. The study concludes that turnover intention signifies a systemic collapse rather than a failure of individual commitment. Sustaining this volunteer workforce requires policy interventions that shift from tokenistic support towards formal professionalisation and reliable remuneration to restore ecological balance.

Original language	en
Pages (from-to)	1-19
Publication status	Published - 2026