What can the psychology of interest, motives and character contribute to vocational guidance

Abstract

Discusses recent psychological reflection and research in relation to vocational guidance. Deals with various emotional reactions and the nature of the stimuli to which they become attached, emphasizing character traits rather than intellectual traits. Discusses: (1) the problems of recording character traits (2) alternative methods for recording these traits (3) a study on motives of vocational choice which showed that motive played a greater role in technical and scientific occupations than in law, teaching and the ministry and a tendency toward parental imitation (4) two principles of the psychology of motives and interest - general interest (which may be satisfied by a variety of occupations) and permanence of interests and (5) the educational function of vocational guidance. Suggests educating the youth in understanding his attitudes and sentiments toward vocations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)