Career Commitment in Human Service Professionals: A Biographical Study

Abstract

Twenty-five human service professionals were studied at two points in time: during the first year of their careers and 12 years later. Questionnaires and in-depth biographical interviews were used to gather data aobut the Ss' careers and personal lives. Quantitative analyses indicated that age, attitude toward life, and job satisfaction were positively correlated with career commitment. Marrieds were significantly more committed than singles, and career changers were less committed to their present careers than were those who had not changed careers. Qualitative analysis identified several other factors that might enhance career commitment, including a challenging work experience before entering the present career, positive professional development experiences, supportive organizational climates, and interesting work. The results were used to develop a theoretical model of career commitment in which professional self-efficacy plays a central role.