Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Occupational Identity

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Handbook of Identity Theory and Research

Abstract

Occupational identity refers to the conscious awareness of oneself as a worker. The process of occupational identity formation in modern societies can be difficult and stressful. However, establishing a strong, self-chosen, positive, and flexible occupational identity appears to be an important contributor to occupational success, social adaptation, and psychological well-being. Whereas previous research has demonstrated that the strength and clarity of occupational identity are major determinants of career decision-making and psychosocial adjustment, more attention needs to be paid to its structure and contents. We describe the structure of occupational identity using an extended identity status model, which includes the traditional constructs of moratorium and foreclosure, but also differentiates between identity diffusion and identity confusion as well as between static and dynamic identity achievement. Dynamic identity achievement appears to be the most adaptive occupational identity status, whereas confusion may be particularly problematic. We represent the contents of occupational identity via a theoretical taxonomy of general orientations toward work (Job, Social Ladder, Calling, and Career) determined by the prevailing work motivation (extrinsic vs. intrinsic) and preferred career dynamics (stability vs. growth). There is evidence that perception of work as a calling is associated with positive mental health, whereas perception of work as a career can be highly beneficial in terms of occupational success and satisfaction. We conclude that further research is needed on the structure and contents of occupational identity and we note that there is also an urgent need to address the issues of cross-cultural differences and intervention that have not received sufficient attention in previous research.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 259.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 329.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 329.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Alberts, C., Mbalo, N. F., & Ackermann, C. J. (2003). Adolescents’ perceptions of the relevance of domains of identity formation: A South African cross-cultural study. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 32, 169–184.

    Google Scholar 

  • Anderson, K. J. (1995). The use of a structured career development group to increase career identity: An exploratory study. Journal of Career Development, 21, 279–291.

    Google Scholar 

  • Archer, S. L. (1989). Gender differences in identity development: Issues of process, domain and timing. Journal of Adolescence, 12, 117–138.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Arnett, J. J. (2000). Emerging adulthood: A theory of development from the late teens through the twenties. American Psychologist, 55, 469–480.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Barak, A., Feldman, S., & Noy, A. (1991). Traditionality of children’s interests as related to their parents’ gender stereotypes and traditionality of occupations. Sex Roles, 24, 511–524.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barnes, J. A., & Herr, E. L. (1998). The effects of interventions on career progress. Journal of Career Development, 24, 179–193.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barnett, R. C., & Hyde, J. S. (2001). Women, men, work and family. American Psychologist, 56, 781–796.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Baruch, Y., & Cohen, A. (2007). The dynamics between organizational commitment and professional identity formation at work. In A. Brown, S. Kirpal, & F. Rauner (Eds.), Identities at work (pp. 241–260). Dordrecht: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baumeister, R. F., & Muraven, M. (1996). Identity as adaptation to social cultural and historical context. Journal of Adolescence, 19, 405–416.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Berríos-Allison, A. C. (2005). Family influences on college students’ occupational identity. Journal of Career Assessment, 13, 233–247.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bloor, D., & Brook, J. (1993). Career development of students pursuing higher education. New Zealand Journal of Educational Studies, 28, 57–68.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blustein, D. L. (2006). The psychology of working. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blustein, D. L., Devenis, L. E., & Kidney, B. A. (1989). Relationship between the identity formation process and career development. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 36, 196–202.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blustein, D. L., & Noumair, D. A. (1996). Self and identity in career development: Implications for theory and practice. Journal of Counseling & Development, 74, 433–441.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bordin, E. S. (1984). Psychodynamic model of career choice and satisfaction. In D. Brown & L. Brooks (Eds.), Career choice and development (pp. 94–136). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Braveman, B., Kielhofner, G., Albrecht, G., & Helfrich, C. (2006). Occupational identity, occupational competence and occupational settings (environment): Influences on return to work in men living with HIV/AIDS. Work: Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation, 27, 267–276.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brisbin, L. A., & Savickas, M. L. (1994). Career indecision scales do not measure foreclosure. Journal of Career Assessment, 2, 352–363.

    Google Scholar 

  • Briscoe, J. P., & Hall, D. T. (2006). The interplay of boundaryless and protean careers: Combinations and implications. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 69, 4–18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown, C., Glastetter-Fender, C., & Shelton, M. (2000). Psychosocial identity and career control in college student-athletes. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 56, 53–62.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown, A., Kirpal, S., & Rauner, F. (Eds.) (2007). Identities at work. Dordrecht: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bryant, B. K., Zvonkovic, A. M., & Reynolds, P. (2006). Parenting in relation to child and adolescent vocational development. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 69, 149–175.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bynner, J. (1998). Education and family components of identity in the transition from school to work. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 22, 29–53.

    Google Scholar 

  • Christiansen, C. H. (1999). Defining lives: Occupation as identity: An essay on competence, coherence, and the creation of meaning. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 53, 547–558.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Conneran, J. M., & Hartman, B. W. (1993). The concurrent validity of the self directed search in identifying chronic career indecision among vocational education students. Journal of Career Development, 19, 197–208.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cook, J., & Simbayi, L. C. (1998). The effects of gender and sex role identity on occupational sex role stereotypes held by white South African high school pupils. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 53, 274–280.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cooke, F. E. (2007). ‘Husband’s career first’: Renegotiating career and family commitment among migrant Chinese academic couples in Britain. Work, Employment and Society., 21, 47–65.

    Google Scholar 

  • Côté, J. E. (2000). Arrested adulthood: The changing nature of maturity and identity. New York: New York University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Danielsen, L. M., Lorem, A. E., & Kroger, J. (2000). The impact of social context on the identity-formation process of Norwegian late adolescents. Youth & Society, 31, 332–362.

    Google Scholar 

  • Danto, E. (2003). Americans at work: A developmental approach. In D. P. Moxley & J. R. Finch (Eds.), Sourcebook of rehabilitation and mental health practice (pp. 11–26). New York: Kluwer.

    Google Scholar 

  • De Goede, M., Spruijt, E., Iedema, J., & Meeus, W. (1999). How do vocational and relationship stressors and identity formation affect adolescent mental health? Journal of Adolescent Health, 25, 14–20.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dellas, M., & Gaier, E. L. (1975). The self and adolescent identity in women: Options and implications. Adolescence, 10, 399–407.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dellas, M., & Jernigan, L. P. (1981). Development of an objective instrument to measure identity status in terms of occupation crisis and commitment. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 41, 1039–1050.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dellas, M., & Jernigan, L. P. (1987). Occupational identity status development, gender comparisons, and internal-external control in first-year air force cadets. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 16, 587–600.

    Google Scholar 

  • Diemer, M. A., & Blustein, D. L. (2006). Critical consciousness and career development among urban youth. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 68, 220–232.

    Google Scholar 

  • Diemer, M. A., & Blustein, D. L. (2007). Vocational hope and vocational identity: Urban adolescents career development. Journal of Career Assessment, 15, 98–118.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dobrow, S. R., & Higgins, M. C. (2005). Developmental networks and professional identity: A longitudinal study. Career Development International, 10, 567–583.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dorn, F. J. (1992). Occupational wellness: The integration of career identity and personal identity. Journal of Counseling & Development, 71, 176–178.

    Google Scholar 

  • Erikson, E. H. (1963). Childhood and society (2nd ed.). New York: Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and crisis. New York: Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fadjukoff, P., Kokko, K., & Pulkkinen, L. (2007). Implications of timing of entering adulthood for identity achievement. Journal of Adolescent Research, 22, 504–530.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fadjukoff, P., Pulkkinen, L., & Kokko, K. (2005). Identity processes in adulthood: Diverging domains. Identity, 5, 1–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fagerberg, I., & Kihlgren, M. (2002). Experiencing a nurse identity: The meaning of identity to Swedish registered nurses 2 years after graduation. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 34, 137–145.

    Google Scholar 

  • FAME Consortium. (2007). Vocational identity in theory and empirical research: Decomposing and recomposing occupational identities – a survey of theoretical concepts. In A. Brown, S. Kirpal, & F. Rauner (Eds.), Identities at work (pp. 13–44). Dordrecht: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Feldsman, D. E., & Blustein, D. L. (1999). The role of peer relatedness in late adolescent career development. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 54, 279–295.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ferreira, J. A., Santos, E. J. R., Fonseca, A. C., & Haase, R. F. (2007). Early predictors of career development: A 10-year follow-up study. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 70, 61–77.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flaxman, E., Guerrero, A., & Gretchen, D. (1999). Career development effects of career magnets versus comprehensive schools. Berkeley, CA: National Center for Research in Vocational Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flum, H., & Blustein, D. L. (2006). Reinvigorating the study of vocational exploration: A framework for research. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 56, 380–404.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fouad, N. A., & Bynner, J. (2008). Work transitions. American Psychologist, 63, 241–251.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Frank, S. J., Jacobson, S., & Tuer, M. (1990). Psychological predictors of young adults’ drinking behaviors. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 59, 770–780.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Friend, J. G. (1973). Personal and vocational interplay in identity building: A longitudinal study. Oxford, UK: Branden.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goossens, L. (2001). Global versus domain-specific statuses in identity research: A comparison of two self-report measures. Journal of Adolescence, 24, 681–699.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gottfredson, L. S. (2005). Applying Gottfredson’s theory of circumscription and compromise in career guidance and counseling. In S. D. Brown & R. W. Lent (Eds.), Career development and counseling: Putting theory and research to work (pp. 71–100). New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Graham, C. W., Sorell, G. T., & Montgomery, M. J. (2004). Role-related identity structure in adult women. Identity, 4, 251–254.

    Google Scholar 

  • Granic, I., Dishion, T. J., & Hollenstein, T. (2003). The family ecology of adolescence: A dynamic systems perspective on normative development. In G. R. Adams & M. D. Berzonsky (Eds.), Blackwell handbook of adolescence (pp. 60–91). Oxford, UK: Blackwell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grotevant, H. D., & Thorbecke, W. L. (1982). Sex differences in styles of occupational identity formation in late adolescence. Developmental Psychology, 18, 396–405.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gushue, G. V., Scanlan, K. R. L., Pantzer, K. M., & Clarke, C. P. (2006). The relationship of career decision-making self-efficacy, vocational identity, and career exploration behavior in African American high school students. Journal of Career Development, 33, 19–28.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hall, D. T. (2002). Careers in and out of organizations. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hamilton, S. F. (1990). Apprenticeship for adulthood: Preparing youth for the future. New York: Free Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hansen, D. M., Larson, R. W., & Dworkin, J. B. (2003). What adolescents learn in organized youth activities: A survey of self-reported developmental experiences. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 13, 25–55.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hargrove, B. K., Creagh, M. G., & Burgess, B. L. (2002). Family interaction patterns as predictors of vocational identity and career decision-making self-efficacy. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 61, 185–201.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hargrove, B. K., Inman, A. G., & Crane, R. L. (2005). Family interaction patterns, career planning attitudes, and vocational identity of high school adolescents. Journal of Career Development, 31, 263–278.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harris, R., Simons, M., Willis, P., & Carden, P. (2003). Exploring complementarity in on- and off-job training for apprenticeships. International Journal of Training and Development, 7, 82–92.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hartung, P. J., Lewis, D. M., May, K., & Niles, S. G. (2002). Family interaction patterns and college student career development. Journal of Career Assessment, 10, 78–90.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hartung, P. J., Porfeli, E. J., & Vondracek, F. W. (2005). Child vocational development: A review and reconsideration. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 66, 385–419.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heinz, W. R., Kelle, U., Witzel, A., & Zinn, J. (1998). Vocational training and career development in Germany: Results from a longitudinal study. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 22, 77–101.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hirschi, A., & Läge, D. (2007). Holland’s secondary constructs of vocational interests and career choice readiness of secondary students. Journal of Individual Differences, 28, 205–218.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holland, J. L. (1985). Making vocational choices: A theory of vocational personalities and work environments (2nd ed.). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holland, J. L., Daiger, D. C., & Power, P. G. (1980). My vocational situation: Manual. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holland, J. L., Gottfredson, D. C., & Power, P. G. (1980). Some diagnostic scales for research in decision making and personality: Identity, information, and barriers. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 39, 1191–1200.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holland, J. L., & Holland, J. E. (1977). Vocational indecision: More evidence and speculation. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 24, 404–414.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holland, J. L., Johnston, J. A., & Asama, N. F. (1993). The vocational identity scale: A diagnostic and treatment tool. Journal of Career Assessment, 1, 1–12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hollinger, C. L. (1988). Toward an understanding of career development among G/T female adolescents. Journal for the Education of the Gifted, 12, 62–79.

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, J. A. (1987). Influence of adolescent social crowds on the development of vocational identity. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 31, 182–199.

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, P., Buboltz, W. C., & Nichols, C. N. (1999). Parental divorce, family functioning, and vocational identity of college students. Journal of Career Development, 26, 137–146.

    Google Scholar 

  • Josselson, R. (1987). Finding herself: Pathways to identity development in women. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kalil, A., Levine, J. A., & Ziol-Guest, K. M. (2005). Following in their parents’ footsteps: How characteristics of parental work predict adolescents’ interest in parents’ jobs. In B. Schneider & L. J. Waite (Eds.), Being together, working apart: Dual-career families and the work-life balance (pp. 422–442). New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kidd, J. M., & Frances, G. (2006). The careers of research scientists: Predictors of three dimensions of career commitment and intention to leave science. Personnel Review, 35, 229–251.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kidder, J. (2006). “It’s the job that I love”: Bike messengers and edgework. Sociological Forum, 21, 31–54.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kielhofner, G. (2007). Model of human occupation: Theory and application (4th ed.). Baltimore: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

    Google Scholar 

  • King, Z., Burke, S., & Pemberton, J. (2005). The ‘bounded’ career: An empirical study of human capital, career mobility and employment outcomes in a mediated labour market. Human Relations, 58, 981–1007.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirpal, S. (2004). Researching work identities in a European context. Career Development International, 9, 199–221.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klaczynski, P. A., & Lavallee, K. L. (2005). Domain-specific identity, epistemic regulation, and intellectual ability as predictors of belief-biased reasoning: A dual-process perspective. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 92, 1–24.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kroger, J. (2007). Identity development: Adolescence through adulthood (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ladany, N., Melincoff, D. S., Constantine, M. G., & Love, R. (1997). At-risk urban high school students’ commitment to career choices. Journal of Counseling & Development, 76, 45–52.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lapan, R. T. (2004). Career development across the K-16 years: Bridging the present to satisfying and successful futures. Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Law, B., Meijers, F., & Wijers, G. (2002). New perspectives on career and identity in the contemporary world. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 30, 431–449.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leong, F. T. (1991). Career development attributes and occupational values of Asian American and white American college students. Career Development Quarterly, 39, 221–230.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leong, F. T., & Morris, J. (1989). Assessing the construct validity of Holland, Daiger, and Power’s measure of vocational identity. Measurement & Evaluation in Counseling & Development, 22, 117–125.

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, C., & Kerpelman, J. (2007). Parental influences on young women’s certainty about their career aspirations. Sex Roles, 56, 105–115.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lips-Wiersma, M., & McMorland, J. (2006). Finding meaning and purpose in boundaryless careers: A framework for study and practice. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 46, 147–167.

    Google Scholar 

  • Long, B. E., Sowa, C. J., & Niles, S. G. (1995). Differences in student development reflected by the career decisions of college seniors. Journal of College Student Development, 36, 47–52.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lopez, F. G. (1989). Current family dynamics, trait anxiety, and academic adjustment: Test of a family-based model of vocational identity. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 35, 76–87.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lucas, M. S., & Epperson, D. L. (1990). Types of vocational undecidedness: A replication and refinement. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 37, 382–388.

    Google Scholar 

  • Luyckx, K., Goossens, L., Soenens, B., Beyers, W., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2005). Identity statuses based upon four rather than two identity dimensions: Extending and refining Marcia’s paradigm. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 34, 605–618.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marcia, J. E. (1966). Development and validation of ego identity status. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 3, 551–558.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Marcia, J. E. (1993). The status of the statuses: Research review. In J. E. Marcia, A. S. Waterman, D. R. Matteson, S. L. Archer & J. Orlofsky (Eds.), Ego identity: A handbook for psychosocial research (pp. 22–41). New York: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • McArdle, S., Waters, L., Briscoe, J. P., & Hall, D. T. (2007). Employability during unemployment: Adaptability, career identity and human and social capital. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 71, 247–264.

    Google Scholar 

  • McKeague, T., Skorikov, V., & Serikawa, T. (2002). Occupational identity and workers’ mental health. In C. Weikert, E. Torkelson, & J. Pryce (Eds.), Occupational health psychology: Empowerment, participation, and health at work (pp. 113–117). Nottingham, UK: I-WHO Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Meeus, W. (1993). Occupational identity development, school performance, and social support in adolescence: Findings of a Dutch study. Adolescence, 28, 809–818.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Meeus, W., & Dekovic, M. (1995). Identity development, parental and peer support in adolescence: Results of a national Dutch survey. Adolescence, 30, 931–944.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Meeus, W., Dekovic, M., & Iedema, J. (1997). Unemployment and identity in adolescence: A social comparison perspective. Career Development Quarterly, 45, 369–380.

    Google Scholar 

  • Meeus, W., Iedema, J., Helsen, M., & Vollebergh, W. (1999). Patterns of adolescent identity development: Review of literature and longitudinal analysis. Developmental Review, 19, 419–461.

    Google Scholar 

  • Meijers, F. (1998). The development of a career identity. International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling, 20, 191–207.

    Google Scholar 

  • Melgosa, J. (1987). Development and validation of the occupational identity scale. Journal of Adolescence, 10, 385–397.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Merrick, E. N. (1995). Adolescent childbearing as career “choice”: Perspective from an ecological context. Journal of Counseling & Development, 73, 288–295.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mortimer, J. T. (2003). Working and growing up in America. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mortimer, J. T., & Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J. (2007). Adolescent paid work and career development. In V. Skorikov & W. Patton (Eds.), Career development in childhood and adolescence (pp. 255–276). Rotterdam, The Netherlands: Sense Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mortimer, J. T., Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., Holmes, M., & Shanahan, M. J. (2002). The process of occupational decision making: Patterns during the transition to adulthood. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 61, 439–465.

    Google Scholar 

  • Munley, P. H. (1977). Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development and career development. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 10, 261–269.

    Google Scholar 

  • Munson, W. W. (1992). Self-esteem, vocational identity, and career salience in high school students. Career Development Quarterly, 40, 361–368.

    Google Scholar 

  • Munson, W. W., & Savickas, M. L. (1999). Relation between leisure and career development of college students. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 53, 243–253.

    Google Scholar 

  • Munson, W. W., & Widmer, M. A. (1997). Leisure behavior and occupational identity in university students. Career Development Quarterly, 46, 190–198.

    Google Scholar 

  • Murphy, G. M., Petitpas, A. J., & Brewer, B. W. (1996). Identity foreclosure, athletic identity, and career maturity in intercollegiate athletes. Sport Psychologist, 10, 239–246.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nauta, M. M., & Kahn, J. H. (2007). Identity status, consistency and differentiation of interests, and career decision self-efficacy. Journal of Career Assessment, 15, 55–65.

    Google Scholar 

  • Patton, W., & McMahon, M. (2006). Career development and systems theory: Connecting theory and practice. Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Peatling, J. H., & Tiedeman, D. V. (1977). Career development: Designing self. Muncie, IN: Accelerated Development.

    Google Scholar 

  • Penick, N. I., & Jepsen, D. A. (1992). Family functioning and adolescent career development. Career Development Quarterly, 40, 208–222.

    Google Scholar 

  • Peregoy, J. J., & Schliebner, C. T. (1990). Long-term unemployment: Effects and counseling interventions. International Journal for the Advancement of Counseling, 13, 193–204.

    Google Scholar 

  • Porfeli, E. J. (2007). Work values system development during adolescence. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 70, 42–60.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Porfeli, E. J., & Skorikov, V. B. (2010). Specific and diversive career exploration during late adolescence. The Journal of Career Assessment, 18, 46–58.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pulkkinen, L., & Kokko, K. (2000). Identity development in adulthood: A longitudinal study. Journal of Research in Personality, 34, 445–470.

    Google Scholar 

  • Raskin, P. M. (1985). Identity and vocational development. New Directions for Child Development, 30, 25–42.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Raskin, P. M. (1989). Identity status research: Implications for career counseling. Journal of Adolescence, 12, 375–388.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Raskin, P. M. (1994). Identity and the career counseling of adolescents: The development of vocational identity. In S. L. Archer (Ed.), Interventions for adolescent identity development (pp. 155–173). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Remer, P., O’Neill, C. D., & Gohs, D. E. (1984). Multiple outcome evaluation of a life-career development course. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 31, 532–540.

    Google Scholar 

  • Robitschek, C., & Cook, S. W. (1999). The influence of personal growth initiative and coping styles on career exploration and vocational identity. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 54, 127–141.

    Google Scholar 

  • Salomone, P. R., & Mangicaro, L. L. (1991). Difficult cases in career counseling: IV – floundering and occupational moratorium. Career Development Quarterly, 39, 325–337.

    Google Scholar 

  • Santos, P. J. (2001). Predictors of generalized indecision among Portuguese secondary school students. Journal of Career Assessment, 9, 381–396.

    Google Scholar 

  • Santos, P. J. (2003). Goal instability, self-esteem, and vocational identity of high school Portuguese students. Análise Psicológica, 21, 229–238.

    Google Scholar 

  • Saunders, D. E., Peterson, G. W., Sampson, J. P. J., & Reardon, R. C. (2000). Relation of depression and dysfunctional career thinking to career indecision. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 56, 288–298.

    Google Scholar 

  • Savickas, M. L. (1985). Identity in vocational development. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 27, 329–337.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schiller, R. A. (1998). The relationship of developmental tasks to life satisfaction, moral reasoning, and occupational attainment at age 28. Journal of Adult Development, 5, 239–254.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schwartz, S. J. (2001). The evolution of Eriksonian and Neo-Eriksonian identity theory and research: A review and integration. Identity, 1, 7–58.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schwartz, S. J., Côté, J. E., & Arnett, J. J. (2005). Identity and agency in emerging adulthood: Two developmental routes in the individualization process. Youth and Society, 37, 201–229.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schwartz, S. J., Zamboanga, B. L., Weisskirch, R. S., & Rodriguez, L. (2009). The relationships of personal and ethnic identity exploration to indices of adaptive and maladaptive psychosocial functioning. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 33, 131–144.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scott, A. B., & Ciani, K. D. (2008). Effects of an undergraduate career class on men’s and women’s career decision-making self-efficacy and vocational identity. Journal of Career Development, 34, 263–285.

    Google Scholar 

  • Seginer, R., & Noyman, M. S. (2005). Future orientation, identity and intimacy: Their relations in emerging adulthood. European Journal of Developmental Psychology, 2, 17–37.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sellers, N., Satcher, J., & Comas, R. (1999). Children’s occupational aspirations: Comparisons by gender, gender role identity, and socioeconomic status. Professional School Counseling, 2, 314–317.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shorter-Gooden, K., & Washington, N. C. (1996). Young, black, and female: The challenge of weaving an identity. Journal of Adolescence, 19, 465–475.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Skorikov, V. B. (2007). Continuity in adolescent career preparation and its effects on adjustment. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 70, 8–24.

    Google Scholar 

  • Skorikov, V. B. (2008). Occupational identity and human lives in the 21st century. In E. Avram (Ed.), Psychology in modern organizations (pp. 25–38). Bucharest: University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Skorikov, V. B., & Vondracek, F. W. (1997). Longitudinal relationships between part-time work and career development in adolescents. The Career Development Quarterly, 45, 221–235.

    Google Scholar 

  • Skorikov, V., & Vondracek, F. W. (1998). Vocational identity development: Its relationship to other identity domains and to overall identity development. Journal of Career Assessment, 6, 13–35.

    Google Scholar 

  • Skorikov, V. B., & Vondracek, F. W. (2007). Vocational identity. In V. B. Skorikov & W. Patton (Eds.), Career development in childhood and adolescence (pp. 143–168). Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Solberg, V. S. (1998). Assessing career search self-efficacy: Construct evidence and developmental antecedents. Journal of Career Assessment, 6, 181–193.

    Google Scholar 

  • Solberg, V. S., Close, W., & Metz, A. J. (2002). Promoting success pathways for middle and high school students: Introducing the adaptive success identity plan for school counselors. In C. L. Juntunen & D. R. Atkinson (Eds.), Counseling across the lifespan: Prevention and treatment (pp. 135–157). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Solomontos-Kountouri, O., & Hurry, J. (2008). Political, religious and occupational identities in context: Placing identity status paradigm in context. Journal of Adolescence, 3, 241–258.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stead, G. B. (1996). Career development of black South African adolescents: A developmental-contextual perspective. Journal of Counseling & Development, 74, 270–275.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stephen, J., Fraser, E., & Marcia, J. E. (1992). Moratorium-achievement (Mama) cycles in lifespan identity development: Value orientations and reasoning system correlates. Journal of Adolescence, 15, 283–300.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Strauser, D. R., Lustig, D. C., Cogdal, P. A., & Uruk, A. C. (2006). Trauma symptoms: Relationship with career thoughts, vocational identity, and developmental work personality. The Career Development Quarterly, 54, 346–360.

    Google Scholar 

  • Super, D. E. (1957). The psychology of careers. New York: Harper & Row.

    Google Scholar 

  • Super, D. E., Savickas, M. L., & Super, C. M. (1996). The life-span, life-space approach to career development. In D. Brown, L. Brooks, & Associates (Eds.), Career choice and development (3rd ed., pp. 121–178). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Suutari, V., & Makela, K. (2007). The career capital of managers with global careers. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 22, 628–648.

    Google Scholar 

  • Terêncio, M. G., & Soares, D. H. P. (2003). Internet as a tool for professional identity development. Psicologia em Estudo, 8, 139–145.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tiedeman, D. V., & O’Hara, R. P. (1963). Career development: Choice and adjustment. New York: College Entrance Examination Board.

    Google Scholar 

  • Toporek, R. L., & Pope-Davis, D. B. (2001). Comparison of vocational identity factor structures among African American and white American college students. Journal of Career Assessment, 9, 135–151.

    Google Scholar 

  • Turner, S. L., Trotter, M. J., Lapan, R. T., Czajka, K. A., Yang, P., & Brissett, A. E. A. (2006). Vocational skills and outcomes among Native American adolescents: A test of the integrative contextual model of career development. Career Development Quarterly, 54, 216–226.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Hoof, A. (1999). The identity status field re-reviewed: An update of unresolved and neglected issues with a view on some alternative approaches. Developmental Review, 19, 497–556.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vaughan, K., & Roberts, J. (2007). Developing a ‘productive’ account of young people’s transition perspectives. Journal of Education and Work, 20, 91–105.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vondracek, F. W. (1992). The construct of identity and its use in career theory and research. Career Development Quarterly, 41, 130–144.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vondracek, F. W. (1993). Promoting vocational development in early adolescence. In R. M. Lerner (Ed.), Early adolescence: Perspectives on research, policy, and intervention (pp. 277–292). Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vondracek, F. W. (1994). Vocational identity development in adolescence. In R. K. Silbereisen & E. Todt (Eds.), Adolescence in context: The interplay of family, school, peers, and work in adjustment (pp. 284–303). New York: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vondracek, F. W. (1995). Vocational identity across the life-span: A developmental-contextual perspective on achieving self-realization through vocational careers. Man and Work, 6, 85–93.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vondracek, F. W., Lerner, R. M., & Schulenberg, J. E. (1986). Career development: A life-span developmental approach. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vondracek, F. W., Silbereisen, R. K., Reitzle, M., & Wiesner, M. (1999). Vocational preferences of early adolescents: Their development in social context. Journal of Adolescent Research, 14, 267–288.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vondracek, F. W., & Skorikov, V. B. (1997). Leisure, school, and work activity preferences and their role in vocational identity development. Career Development Quarterly, 45, 322–340.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vrkljan, B. H., & Polgar, J. M. (2007). Linking occupational participation and occupational identity: An exploratory study of the transition from driving to driving cessation in older adulthood. Journal of Occupational Science, 14, 30–39.

    Google Scholar 

  • Walsh, K., & Gordon, J. R. (2008). Creating an individual work identity. Human Resource Management Review, 18, 46–61.

    Google Scholar 

  • Waterman, A. S. (1999). Identity, the identity statuses, and identity status development: A contemporary statement. Developmental Review, 19, 591–621.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wrzesniewski, A., McCauley, C. R., Rozin, P., & Schwartz, B. (1997). Jobs, careers, and callings: People’s relations to their work. Journal of Research in Personality, 31, 21–33.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., & Mortimer, J. T. (2006). Adolescent work, vocational development, and education. Review of Educational Research, 76, 537–566.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Hawaii, Hilo, HI, USA

    Vladimir B. Skorikov

  2. Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA

    Fred W. Vondracek

Authors
  1. Vladimir B. Skorikov
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Fred W. Vondracek
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Vladimir B. Skorikov .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Public He, University of Miami, N.W. 10th Avenue, Suite 321 1425, Miami, 33136, Florida, USA

    Seth J. Schwartz

  2. , Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Leuven, Tiensestraat 102, Leuven, 3000, Belgium

    Koen Luyckx

  3. School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QH, United Kingdom

    Vivian L. Vignoles

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Skorikov, V.B., Vondracek, F.W. (2011). Occupational Identity. In: Schwartz, S., Luyckx, K., Vignoles, V. (eds) Handbook of Identity Theory and Research. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-7988-9_29

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation