Occupational Engagement Scale–Student: Development and Initial Validation. (February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cox, Daniel W.; Krieshok, Thomas S.; Bjornsen, Abby L.; Zumbo, Bruno D.
• Is Part Of: Journal of career assessment. Volume 23:Number 1(2015:Feb.)
• Page Start: 107
• Page End: 116
• Publication Date: 2015-02
• Subjects: occupational engagement -- scale development -- college student career development -- decision making -- intuition -- trilateral model -- career counseling; Vocational guidance -- Periodicals; 331.702
• DOI: 10.1177/1069072714523090
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1069-0727

Abstract

The Occupational Engagement Scale–Student (OES-S)—a 9-item measure of occupational engagement in college students—was developed and initial validity evidence is presented. Using two samples of college students, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported the measure's unidimensionality. Criterion validity was supported via the OES-S predicting (a) vocational identity, (b) academic major satisfaction, (c) gains in personal development, (d) gains in vocational competence, and (e) gains in general education. Implications for practice, theory, and future research are discussed.