Affiliations: [1] Department of Human Services, Bowling Green State University, USA
| [2] Departmentof Psychology, Yonsei University, South Korea
| [3] Department of Counselling Psychology, Woosuk University, South Korea
Correspondence:
[*]
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to HeeSoon Lee, Department of Human Services, 227 Health & Human Services, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio 43403. E-mail: leeh@bgsu.edu
Note: [1] HeeSoon Lee https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4254-5247 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4254-5247
Abstract: A successful transition into adulthood is marked by occupational identity. From the developmental perspective, it is vital to examine the occupational perceptions of college students who grew up in distinct social and psychological environments from previous generations. To bridge the research gap, this study is to examine college students’ subjective occupational perceptions and the psychosocial factors impacting their views on occupational identity. Fifty college students sorted 72 Q statements about their viewpoints on occupations. Findings revealed four viewpoints on the occupational perceptions with the highly work-engaged; money-minded; intrinsic motivation for career choice; and parent-child conflict. A person-centered counseling approach for individuals experiencing financial difficulties and/or parental conflict could enhance a sense of achievement and occupational identity. Considering delayed developmental tasks and uncertainties about their future career, along with their internal motivation and external conditions, comprehensive educational programs would be beneficial in exploring diverse career choices.
Keywords: Subjectivity, Q methodology, occupational perception, work value, identity, college students
