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

Abstract

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.