The Development and Initial Validation of the Work Volition Scale–Student Version

Abstract

The present study sought to develop and validate an instrument to measure work volition, defined as the perceived capacity to make occupational choices despite constraints, among college students. In Study 1, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted with a large and diverse sample of college students, finding a reliable scale with two factors, volition and constraints. In Study 2, with a new sample of college students, a confirmatory factor analysis was completed finding a final 16-item scale with strong model fit and internal consistency. In addition, the Work Volition Scale–Student Version (WVS-SV) was found to correlate in expected directions with career decision self-efficacy, core self-evaluations, career locus of control, career barriers, and the Big 5 personality traits. Finally, in Study 3, the WVS-SV was found to have strong test–retest reliability. Implications for practice and further research are discussed.