Neuroticism, Negative Thinking, and Coping With Respect to Career Decision State. Issue 4 (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bullock‐Yowell, Emily; Reed, Corey A.; Mohn, Richard S.; Galles, Jacob; Peterson, Gary W.; Reardon, Robert C.
• Is Part Of: Career development quarterly. Volume 63:Issue 4(2015)
• Page Start: 333
• Page End: 347
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: negative career thoughts -- neuroticism -- coping -- career decision; Vocational guidance -- Periodicals; Career development -- Periodicals; Career education -- Periodicals; 370.11305
• DOI: 10.1002/cdq.12032
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0889-4019

Abstract

Abstract : Using structural equation modeling, the present study investigated relationships between neuroticism, coping strategies, and negative career thoughts within the context of attaining a positive career decision state. Results from the initial model, based on a sample of college students (119 women, 113 men; M = 20.3 years) enrolled in a career development course, revealed that coping strategies were not a significant contribution to the model. The final model, without coping strategies, showed that neuroticism had a significant indirect effect on career decision state through negative thinking and that the relationship between neuroticism and career decision state was also significant. Findings also indicate that in the presence of negative career thoughts, neuroticism becomes associated with a more positive career decision state. Practical implications include suggestions that counselors intervene on clients' negative career thoughts to potentially render their neurotic tendencies more productive in reaching a desired career decision state.