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Downton, J., & Wehr, P. (1991). Peace movements: The role of commitment and community in sustaining member participation. In M. Spencer (Ed.), Research in social movements, conflicts, and change (pp. 113-134). Greenwich: JAI Press.

has been cited by the following article:

• TITLE: When Commitment Is Not Enough: How Stress and Individual-Organization Interface Affect Activists’ Persistence

  AUTHORS: Terri Mannarini, Cosimo Talo

  KEYWORDS: Collective Action, Community Development, Activist Persistence, Activist Retention, Organizational Commitment, Stress, Coping, Social Support

  JOURNAL NAME: Psychology, Vol.2 No.5, August 31, 2011

  ABSTRACT: In light of collective action and community development research, this study aims at testing a model of activist persistence that takes into account both individual and organizational levels. The proposed model predicted that commitment to a group/organization or its cause does affect an activists’ persistence. This relationship is mediated by two variables, namely the individual-organization interface and stress management processes. The model was empirically tested through a path analysis on a sample of 278 (N = 278; 43.9% female) participants recruited among active members in a variety of community groups/organizations. The results supported the pattern described by the model, showing that commitment is a precursor to activists’ persistence. However its direct impact is weaker than the impact exerted by stress levels and the fit between the individual and the group/organization. Applications for community development practice are discussed.