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The Factor Structure of the Work-Family Conflict Multidimensional Scale: Exploring the Expectations of College Students

Gaffey, A. R., Rottinghaus, P. J. — 2009-09-25

Work-family conflict (WFC) has been examined from a unidimensional approach, yet recent research has revealed three types (i.e., time, strain, and behavior) and two directions of work–family conflict. Previous researchers suggested that college students are unable to discern between the multiple-facets of WFC, thus measured anticipated WFC addressing only the bidirectional component. This approach assumes that college students have not fully considered each facet of work–family balance. The current study is the first to examine the use of measuring anticipated work–family conflict with college students from a multidimensional perspective. We investigated anticipated levels of three types and two directions of WFC of 295 college students by examining the factor structure of a modified version of the Multidimensional Work–Family Conflict Scale. Participants discerned between the three types of WFC yet were unable to differentiate between the directions of behavior and strain-based conflict. Implications for research and career counseling are also discussed.

Work Family Relations: Antecedents and Outcomes

Cinamon, R. G., Rich, Y. — 2009-09-25

This study investigated interrelations between conflict and facilitation in work and family domains, with spousal, managerial, and collegial social support serving as antecedents, and professional vigor and burnout as outcomes. Participants were 322 female, married teachers. Regression analyses revealed complex relations between conflict and facilitation, and different patterns of association in the work and family domains. Only managerial support predicted conflict and facilitation relations. Work-to-family (W->F) and family-to-work (F->W) conflict predicted burnout. Results suggest that conflict and facilitation are distinct constructs and they underscore the importance of working with managers to enhance their ability to promote employees' health.

The Relations of Vocational Interests and Mathematical Literacy: On the Predictive Power of Interest Profiles

Warwas, J., Nagy, G., Watermann, R., Hasselhorn, M. — 2009-09-25

This study examines the relationships of vocational interests and mathematical literacy both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Extending previous research, the results of Holland’s RIASEC (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional) scale scores are compared with results from a reductionist approach using individual interest profiles (including the parameters level, differentiation, and orientation). Both analyses find significant relations between interests and mathematical literacy. The scale score analyses reveal positive associations of Realistic interests with mathematical literacy, whereas Artistic interests show a negative association. Interest profiles from a dimensional representation show individuals with interest orientations close to the Realistic domain score highest on mathematical literacy, with those with interests in both Artistic and Social domains scoring lowest. Results from profile analyses suggest that interest differentiation moderates the interest–ability relation. Only interest profiles are predictive for mathematical literacy over and above covariates, indicating that interest profiles are more robust predictors than the scale scores. Analyses show that interest profiles are a valid reduction of the scale score models.

A Confirmatory Test of the Factor Structure of the Short Form of the Career Decision Self-Efficacy Scale

Miller, M. J., Roy, K. S., Brown, S. D., Thomas, J. H., McDaniel, C. — 2009-07-14

The present study tested a number of theoretically and empirically derived measurement models of the Career Decision Self-Efficacy Scale–Short Form (CDSES-SF) using confirmatory factor analysis. Betz’s five-factor model of the CDSES-SF, along with a number of alternative models, demonstrated adequate model fit in two independent samples. Based on multisample analyses, 23 of 25 CDSES-SF items demonstrated metric invariance suggesting equivalence in the way in which items are interpreted across Asian and European American samples. Directions for future research are discussed.

Social-Cognitive Factors Affecting Clients' Career and Life Satisfaction After Counseling

Verbruggen, M., Sels, L. — 2009-07-14

This study examines factors affecting clients' career and life satisfaction in the first 6 months after having participated in career counseling. In particular, we tested a large subset of the recent social-cognitive model of work satisfaction of Lent and Brown using a longitudinal data set of 195 former counseling clients. Our results showed that clients' goal self-efficacy at the end of the career counseling had a positive impact on their career satisfaction 6 months later. This relationship was fully mediated by external barriers, goal progress, and subsequent goal self-efficacy. The level of career satisfaction 6 months after the counseling was in turn positively related with clients' life satisfaction. Also personality traits had an influence on clients' career and life satisfaction, though only indirectly via goal self-efficacy.

Examining Cultural Validity of the Problem-Solving Inventory (PSI) in Italy

Nota, L., Heppner, P. P., Soresi, S., Heppner, M. J. — 2009-07-14

The problem-solving inventory (PSI) is the most widely used applied problem-solving measure in the United States. Although a great deal of validity and reliability information exists for the PSI, much of this data has been collected in the United States. The purpose of this study was to examine the PSI’s psychometric estimates with a large sample of Italian high school students across geographically representative regions of Italy. Results revealed a similar but slightly different PSI factor structure in the Italian PSI, as well as sex differences (which have been rarely found in the U.S. samples) and different associations with intelligence. In addition to providing useful psychometric information for an Italian PSI, this study identifies the complexities of problem-solving appraisal cross-culturally. Finally, this investigation also serves to underscore the necessity to examine the cultural validity of assessment instruments used in the increasing number of cross-national studies: the widespread practice of simply translating inventories developed in one country and then using them in other cultural contexts can create significant methodological problems.

Development and Criterion Validity of Differentiated and Elevated Vocational Interests in Adolescence

Hirschi, A. — 2009-04-23

Interest differentiation and elevation are supposed to provide important information about a person’s state of interest development, yet little is known about their development and criterion validity. The present study explored these constructs among a group of Swiss adolescents. Study 1 applied a cross-sectional design with 210 students in 11th grade. Study 2 applied a 1-year longitudinal design with 289 students in 7th to 8th grade. gender, personality traits, and career exploration were significant predictors of state and development of differentiation and elevation. Increase in differentiation predicted increase in career decidedness above traits. elevation could not predict increase in exploration behavior over traits. The results provide support for differentiation and elevation as important aspects of adolescents’ vocational interests.

Exploratory Studies on the Effects of a Career Exploration Group for Urban Chinese Immigrant Youth

Shea, M., Ma, P.-W. W., Yeh, C. J., Lee, S. J., Pituc, S. T. — 2009-04-22

Two studies evaluating a school-based, culturally responsive career exploration and assessment group for low-income, urban Chinese immigrant youth are described. Mixed qualitative and quantitative methods compared the treatment (CEDAR group) versus the control group (no intervention). In Study 1, CEDAR group participants reported a significant decrease in career indecision; increases in academic, career, and college help seeking; and career decision-making self-efficacy at posttest compared to the control group. In Study 2, CEDAR group participants reported a significant increase in career decision making; decreases in career counseling stigma and value, collective self esteem, and affirmation and belonging in ethnic identity at posttest compared to the control group. Qualitative data from Study 1 and 2 revealed that participants had experienced an increased sense of social support, self-regard, self-knowledge, and learned practical career skills after participating in the CEDAR group. Implications for future research in career assessment and program development are discussed.

Gender-Specific Perceptions of Four Dimensions of the Work/Family Interaction

Innstrand, S. T., Langballe, E. M., Falkum, E., Espnes, G. A., Aasland, O. G. — 2009-04-21

The aim of this study was twofold. The first intention was to examine the factorial validity of a work/family interaction in terms of the direction of influence (work-to-family vs. family-to-work) and type of effect (conflict vs. facilitation). Second, gender differences along these four dimensions of work/family interaction were explored. Data were obtained from eight different occupational groups in Norway: lawyers, physicians, nurses, teachers, church ministers, bus drivers, and people working in advertising and information technology (IT; N = 3,313). Multigroup analysis indicated that the hypothesized four-factor model clearly has a better fit than the alternative one-factor and two-factor models. Latent mean comparisons revealed significant gender differences along all the dimensions. Women reported more conflict and facilitation in both directions compared to men. although there were some occupational differences, this was indicative of a more fluid boundary between work and family among women. The findings are discussed in an identity perspective.

Emotional Intelligence Abilities and Traits in Different Career Paths

2009-04-20

Two studies tested hypotheses about differences in emotional intelligence (EI) abilities and traits between followers of different career paths. Compared to their social science peers, science students had higher scores in adaptability and general mood traits measured with the Emotion Quotient Inventory, but lower scores in strategic EI abilities using the emotional intelligence test MSCEIT, as well as neuroticism, and openness. Neuroticism mediated relationships between career path and EI traits but not EI strategic abilities. In the second study participants in science and business career paths had higher scores in positive affect and in several work-related EI traits and lower scores in work-related EI abilities than their science counterparts. The results raise questions about the mechanisms that may sustain the observed differences in self-perceptions and about the validity of some EI measures. They also have implications for EI skills assessment and training in Higher Education graduates and career starters.

Battered Women's Process of Leaving: A 2-Year Follow-Up

Brown, C., Trangsrud, H. B., Linnemeyer, R. M. — 2009-04-17

This study is a follow-up investigation of the career and life experiences of battered women two years after shelter exit. Using consensual qualitative research, we interviewed 6 women from our original sample of 13 regarding their career and life adjustments and future aspirations. Results indicated that participants generally reported both internal and external barriers to their career goals and were dissatisfied with their current housing. In addition, women typically desired education and career advancement with preferred careers in the helping and service fields. Findings imply that long after women leave the shelter and their abusive relationships they will need the continued support of vocational psychologists to provide career assessment and counseling with focus on long-term career and educational opportunities that are commensurate with their chosen fields of interest. Longitudinal research that exceeds a two-year follow-up is needed to comprehensively assess the career needs and life adjustment of battered women survivors.

Comparative Effectiveness of CAPA and FOCUS Online : Career Assessment Systems With Undecided College Students

Betz, N. E., Borgen, F. H. — 2009-04-17

The present study compared the effectiveness of two online career exploration systems in increasing the career decision self-efficacy and decidedness of 960 students enrolled in a program for undecided freshmen students at a large public university. Results indicated that both systems led to significant increases in career decision self-efficacy and college major decidedness in these students. The CAPA system, based on an integration of Bandura’s self-efficacy theory and traditional trait factor theory, led to proportionately greater increases in Career Decision Self-Efficacy Scale scores in comparison to FOCUS for the total group and for women. The systems were comparably effective with African American, Asian American, and White students.