Convergence of vocational interests and personality: An examination of specific factors in a college sample
Date
2001
Authors
Staggs, Gena D.
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Advisor
Larson, Lisa M.
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Abstract
The convergence of interests and personality was studied by examining the overlap of Strong Interest Inventory Basic Interest Scales (Strong BISs; Harmon et al., 1994) and A. Tellegen's Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ; 1982) primary scales. The general hypothesis that specific MPQ primary scales would contribute significantly to the prediction of Strong BISs beyond the contribution of the related MPQ higher order factors was largely supported. Based on a series of hierarchical multiple regressions, a total of 11 (of the 26) hypotheses received support at the conservative p < .002 level, and the increase in variance accounted for in these successful predictions ranged from 5% to 26%. The hypotheses included approximate replications of the predictions made by Larson and Borgen (in press), as well as predictions of some new relationships based on correlation data from their study. The 200 participants included 137 college women and 63 college men (predominately White) from a large Midwest university. The average age of the participants was 20.23 (SD=1.8). Results from the bivariate correlations and the hierarchical regressions confirmed many expected relationships and introduced several new relationships not previously identified by studies using measures of the Big Five (Costa & McCrae, 1992) and the RIASEC Big Six (Holland, 1966). Meaningful differences observed between males and females and between the present college sample and Larson and Borgen's gifted adolescent sample suggest need for further investigation. Implications for ways knowledge of interest-personality overlap can enhance career counseling are discussed.
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thesis