The purpose of this study is to examine the role of personality traits measured by the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ; [Tellegen, 2000] and [Tellegen and Waller, 2008]) in selecting educational majors. Personality traits were examined alone, and with the combination of Holland's hexagonal confidence domains, as measured by the…

The Basic Interest Scales (BISs) of the Strong Interest Inventory (SII; Harmon, Hansen, Borgen, & Hammer, 1994) have a 35-year history. The BISs are the specific content scales of the SII, as opposed to the SII general content scales, the General Occupational Themes (GOTs), which measure the six Holland (1997) RIASEC themes. Using 17,074…

A series of studies refined 17 scales of the Expanded Skills Confidence Inventory (n=934) and validated it with an adult sample (n=972). Scales were internally consistent, showed predictable patterns of gender differences, and were highly related to predicted Holland confidence themes. Discriminant analyses across 8 largest occupational groups…

A meta-analysis was conducted of 60 empirical samples (n=39.154), 53 of which used parallel measures of self-efficacy and interests. Results demonstrated that self-efficacy and interests are independent and correlate moderately. Overlap varies considerably for Social, Enterprising, and Conventional interest domains depending on the measure used.…

A study of 323 gifted adolescents explored the convergence of vocational interests and personality as measured by the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ) and NEO Personality Inventory-Revised. The strongest convergence occurred at more specific levels--the 30 facet levels of NEO and 11 primary scales of MPQ. Convergence of Holland's…

Meta-analysis of 24 samples demonstrated overlap between Holland's vocational interest domains (measured by Self Directed Search, Strong Interest Inventory, and Vocational Preference Inventory) and Big Five personality factors (measured by Revised NEO Personalty Inventory). The link is stronger for five interest-personality pairs:…

Using data from 365 students, blocks of Big Five personality factors, six self-efficacy measures, and six interests from the Strong Interest Inventory were entered into hierarchical regressions. Personality, self-efficacy, and interests each made independent contributions explaining the level of educational aspiration. (Contains 58 references.)…

The relationship between the personal style scales of the Strong Interest Inventory and the Big Five model of personality was investigated with 740 undergraduates and a cross-validation sample of 321. No significant gender differences were observed. Personal style scales indicating living and working preferences were correlated with personality…

Holland's model of vocational interests influenced development of the Strong Campbell Interest Inventory (SCII), Strong Interest Inventory, and Campbell Interest and Skill Survey. His theory led Campbell to make the following changes in the SCII: two kinds of content scales, reorganization using the hexagonal system, and merged inventories for men…

Analysis of results of the Skills Confidence Inventory completed by 1147 employed adults and 706 college students revealed minimal gender differences in self-efficacy within 21 occupations and 6 Holland job families. (SK)

Comments on the preceding article include "Slicing the Vocational Interest Pie One More Time" (Borgen, Donnay); "Lost in Space" (Harmon); "Alternative Dimensions of the Tracey-Rounds Interest Sphere" (Prediger); "Prestige in Vocational Interests" (Gottfredson); "What Goes around, Comes around" (Hansen); "Circles and Squares, Spheres and Cubes"…

Reviewed about 300 1984 publications on vocational behavior and career development. The counseling psychology perspective is used to review articles on career development, decision making and problem solving, women, minorities, special groups, assessment, and intervention. The industrial/organizational perspective is used to review personnel…

This 20-year review highlights the influence and visibility of the theories of Super and Holland and the role of Osipow in nurturing productivity in vocational behavior research. Citation data are presented to illustrate the impact of milestone publications; converging trends toward an integrated career psychology are charted. (133 references) (SK)