A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology tested whether vocational interests predict life outcomes well into adulthood. Researchers followed more than 8,000 adults for 11 years. Participants completed a vocational interest assessment in 2011012 that measured six dimensions: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising and Conventional.
About a decade later the team examined major outcomes across work, relationships and community life and found that interests remained relevant. Enterprising interests 1those linked to leadership, business and influencing others1were the most broadly predictive, showing positive links with most work and communal outcomes. Other interests had more specific relations: social interests predicted relationship outcomes, and artistic interests predicted cultural participation.
Prediction strength varied by life stage: relationship outcomes were best predicted by interests measured in early adulthood, while prediction of work outcomes peaked in midlife. Many other predictions were stable across adulthood. The researchers noted that interests were comparable to, and sometimes exceeded, the predictive power of Big Five personality traits. Lena Roemer, the lead author and a postdoctoral researcher at Michigan State University, and coauthor Kevin Hoff, an assistant professor at MSU, said the findings encourage wider use of interest assessments. Additional coauthors are from Michigan State University and the University of Iowa. Source: Michigan State University.
Difficult words
- vocational — connected with jobs and careers
- dimension — one part of a larger system or ideadimensions
- Enterprising — willing to start projects and lead others
- communal — related to life in a local community
- midlife — the middle period in an adult's life
- assessment — a test or measure of knowledge or interest
- prediction — a statement about what will happen laterpredictions
- personality — the combination of a person's character traits
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think your own vocational interests will affect your future work and relationships? Why or why not?
- The article says relationship prediction was strongest from early-adult interests. Do you agree that early adulthood is important for relationships? Explain briefly.
- Would you consider taking an interest assessment like the study used? How could it help your choices?
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