Contextual Factors and Vocational Interests in South Asian Americans’ Vocational Development

Examining vocational interests is a central component of career counseling; yet, little research has investigated structural differences for specific subpopulations or the role of cultural factors on vocational interests. The purpose of this study was to examine the structure of interests, congruenc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of career assessment 2013-02, Vol.21 (1), p.57-72
Main Authors: Kantamneni, Neeta, Fouad, Nadya A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acculturation
Asian American Students
Asian Culture
Collectivism
College Students
Congruence (Psychology)
Correlation
Cultural Influences
Gender Differences
Individualism
Likert Scales
Multiple Regression Analysis
Questionnaires
Strong Interest Inventory
Values
Vocational Interests
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Summary:Examining vocational interests is a central component of career counseling; yet, little research has investigated structural differences for specific subpopulations or the role of cultural factors on vocational interests. The purpose of this study was to examine the structure of interests, congruence between expressed and measured interests, and the relationship between contextual factors, congruence, and vocational interests for South Asian Americans. Circular unidimensional scaling  analyses examined the structural nature of interests for females and males and found a better fit with Holland’s model for South Asian American females when compared to males. Correlation and multiple regression analyses found that contextual variables, such as acculturation, cultural values, and gender did not predict congruence but did predict vocational interest themes. Gender, acculturation, and individualistic and collectivistic cultural values predicted Realistic and Social interests.
ISSN:1069-0727
1552-4590
DOI:10.1177/1069072712454699