Norwegian search and rescue volunteers are more willing to confront danger than the average person, but it is not a thirst for risk that keeps them going. According to a new study, it is trust, both in their teammates and in how they are perceived by them, that plays a decisive role in maintaining motivation, especially for those who are naturally more cautious. The findings were published in the journal Voluntas.
The study, based on data from over 1,600 active Norwegian SAR volunteers and more than 3,000 members of the general public, compared attitudes towards risk, trust, and motivation. It found that SAR volunteers tend to be more risk tolerant and score higher on trust metrics than other volunteers. More importantly, the research showed that even among those who are less comfortable with risk, volunteers who trusted their teammates and felt trusted in return were more likely to remain engaged and motivated.
The research challenges the stereotype that high risk volunteering is dominated by thrill seekers or individuals with a reckless streak. In reality, fewer than one in ten SAR volunteers described themselves as risk takers. Many were drawn instead to the challenge of managing risk with skill and composure, a concept referred to as edgework. This offers a sense of control, self actualisation, and personal growth.
However, these motivations are not enough to sustain participation on their own. The study revealed that trust serves as a psychological buffer. When volunteers believe in their team’s competence, integrity, and goodwill, and when they feel that this trust is mutual, they are better equipped to handle the uncertainties of rescue missions. This is especially important for volunteers who might otherwise be deterred by physical danger.
Trust also influenced how frequently volunteers took part in missions. Those who expressed high levels of trust and felt trusted were not only more motivated but also more active. The findings suggest that SAR organisations benefit from cultivating strong cultures of mutual trust, where volunteers feel respected, capable, and valued.
A key insight from the study is that mutual trust, where a volunteer both trusts others and feels trusted by them, has a stronger effect on motivation than either factor alone. Volunteers who experienced this sense of reciprocity showed the highest levels of motivation, especially among those who were more hesitant about risk. When this mutual recognition was lacking, both motivation and participation declined.
These findings have important implications for organisations that rely on volunteers in hazardous conditions. Leadership and training programmes that focus on building relationships and offering recognition could strengthen the trust that keeps volunteers committed. While technical skills and resources are essential, the human element of trust is equally important in supporting effective rescue teams.
As search and rescue missions become more demanding due to extreme weather and increasingly complex emergencies, ensuring that volunteers with different attitudes toward risk stay motivated will be crucial. Trust, rather than sheer bravery, may be what binds these life saving teams together.
