Stability of vocational interests among high school students

Adolescence, Fall, 1998 by Ronald L. Mullis, Ann K. Mullis, Deborah Gerwels

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Parental occupation also played a role in the career interests of students. Again, this finding is consistent with Holland's theory and associated research (Hansen, 1984; Holand, 1962). The data revealed several interesting differences. For example, students with parents in unskilled occupations scored higher on the Realistic theme, whereas students with parents in professional and skilled occupations generally scored higher on the Artistic, Social, and Conventional themes. As age increased, those in the professional group broadened their vocational interests. It seems that these students are more likely to be encouraged to remain open and explore different career options. This finding highlights the important influence of family and community on adolescents' occupational opportunities.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings provide support for the usefulness of the SCII with high school students. Further, they suggest that gender and parents' socioeconomic status must be considered when investigating occupational interests.

Most guidance counselors are well aware of the importance of normative developmental changes during adolescence. However, the present study suggests that there are additional variables to consider when evaluating an adolescent's career interests. For example, the gender differences found serve as a reminder that adolescents need to be encouraged to explore beyond traditional, gender-typed occupations.

Not only counselors, but also parents and other family members should assist adolescents with career exploration. Parents can be made aware of the influence they have on their children's vocational interests. Professionals and parents can together expose adolescents to a variety of career options. This is especially important for those families who reside in rural areas, where exposure to, and experience with, different occupations may be more limited.

Although the career interests of adolescents appear to be stable, it is important to bear in mind that their occupational awareness is strongly influenced by sociocultural experiences. Future research should investigate whether a broader set of social and contextual variables may provide greater insight into how and when adolescents clarify vocational choices and eventually commit to a career.

REFERENCES

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Broday, S. F. (1990a). The relationship between response style on the Strong-Campbell Interest Inventory and occupational scales (for women). Psychological Reports, 66, 94.

Broday, S. F. (1990b). Relationship between response style on the Strong-Campbell Interest Inventory and occupational scales (for men). Psychological Reports, 66, 374.

Campbell, D. P. (1966). Stability of interests within an occupation over thirty years. Journal of Applied Psychology, 50, 51-56.

Diamond, E. E. (Ed.). (1975). Issues of sex bias and sex fairness in career interest inventories. Washington, DC: National Institute of Education.