Researchers followed more than 8,000 adults for 11 years. Participants completed a vocational interest assessment in 2011012. The test measured six types of interest: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising and Conventional.
Over a decade later the team looked at work, relationship and community outcomes and found that interests still predicted important life results. Enterprising interests predicted many work and community outcomes. Social interests predicted relationship results, and artistic interests predicted cultural participation. Prediction strength changed by life stage: interests measured in early adulthood best predicted relationship outcomes, while work predictions peaked in midlife. The researchers said interests were as predictive as Big Five personality traits and could help people at different ages.
Difficult words
- vocational — related to jobs and types of work
- assessment — a test or evaluation of skills
- interest — a person's likes or areas they enjoyinterests
- predict — to say what will happen laterpredicted
- community — a group of people in one area
- enterprising — showing energy to start new projects
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Which of the six interest types do you think matches you and why?
- How could knowing your interests help you choose a job or join a community activity?
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