Can relational personality theory provide a framework for differences on Holland typology for women?

• Main Author: Rees, Amy M.
• Other Authors: Gridley, Betty E.
• Format: Others
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: Women > Employment.; Personality and occupation.; Women > Psychology.; Vocational interests.
• Online Access: http://cardinalscholar.bsu.edu/handle/handle/179984; http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/1117098

This study used relational personality theory to explore gender differences in Holland typology. The primary premise of relational personality theory is that women have a self identity that is developed and maintained in relation to others. This orientation to relationship or Connected Self is a primary component of identity that will lead to decisions and actions that reflect the valuing of relationships. This is in opposition to a Separate Self orientation that is primarily centered in independence, separation, and autonomy. The Connected Self was hypothesized to effect women's career interests as measured by the Self-Directed Search (SDS). The strongest relationship was found between Connected Self and scores on the Social scale of the SDS. Connected Self was found to be a significant predictor variable for women's scores on the Social scale. Connected Self also predicted scores on the Artistic scale, although to a lesser degree. In addition, Separate Self was a significant predictor of scores on the Enterprising and Conventional scales of the SDS.In order to further explore the relationship between Connected Self and women's scores on the Social scale, the subjects scoring highest in Social were further divided into groups based on interests in working with peers versus clients and on ability to care for self and others or to put others needs before one's own. Counseling implications for women who score highest on the Social scale are offered. In addition, further research is suggested. === Department of Educational Psychology