Research Database: Article Details
| Citation: | Krause, J.S. & Clark, J.M.R. (2014). Stability of vocational interests after recent spinal cord injury. Rehabilitation Psychology, 59 (3), 321-328. |
| Title: | Stability of vocational interests after recent spinal cord injury |
| Authors: | Krause, J.S. & Clark, J.M.R. |
| Year: | 2014 |
| Journal/Publication: | Rehabilitation Psychology |
| Publisher: | American Psychological Association |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1037/a0037265 |
| Full text: | http://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2014-33600-003.html |
| Peer-reviewed? | Yes |
| NIDILRR-funded? | Yes |
Structured abstract:
| Background: | Vocational interests impact employment choice. However, there are few studies on this topic related to individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Understanding factors related to going to work post injury and choice of occupation could help explain poor employment rates for this group. Prior studies have shown stable patterns of vocational interest over an eleven years. |
| Purpose: | The aim of this study was to identify stability of vocational interests at baseline and again at approximately 499 days and 874 days post injury. The researchers asked the following two questions: to what extent and in what direction will mean scores on the Strong and Campbell Interest Inventory's General Occupational Themes (GOT) and Basic Interest Scales (BIS) and special scales change over time after SCI and to what extent will interests be stable as measured by stability coefficients between baseline and the second follow up? |
| Setting: | Mike |
| Study sample: | The researchers recruited participants from patients who were inpatient at a large hospital in the southeastern part of the United States over a four year time period. Five hundred and twenty one participants completed the baseline assessment. One hundred and thirty five completed all three assessments and are the focus of the data analysis. |
| Intervention: | Mike |
| Control or comparison condition: | Mike |
| Data collection and analysis: | A questionnaire was used to collect base line data. Assistance was available to anyone who needed help completing it. Follow up data was collected using a mailed survey. The measures included the 1994 edition of the SII Form T317. This included the GOT and BIS. SPSS was used for data analysis. |
| Findings: | At baseline the participants included 79% males. There was about an equal number of individuals who sustained cervical versus noncervical injuries. Average age at injury was 32 years and more than three quarters of the participants were seeking work at the time of injury. The majority or 75% had a high school degree or equivalent. More women than men participated in the follow up studies (35% vs. 24%). Those who completed the study also were older (34 yrs. vs. 32 yrs.) Also a higher number of whites completed the study as compared to blacks (29% vs. 19%). Over the three time measurements some significant changes were reported on eight of the BIS. Findings indicated that vocational interests change as a response to SCI. More specifically interests tend to be more in alignment with the physical limitations imposed on the person by SCI. |
| Conclusions: | A person's vocational interests evolves after SCI with increases on themes more compatible with limitations. This finding is different from previous studies that indicated interests remain stable post injury. |
| Disabilities served: |
Spinal cord injury (SCI) |
| Populations served: |
Gender: Female and Male Race: Black / African American Race: White / Caucasian |
| Outcomes: |
Other |