A self-determination theory perspective on RIASEC occupational themes: Motivation types as predictors of self-efficacy and college program domain.

Abstract

Using the RIASEC (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, Conventional; Holland, 1997) model of occupational themes and a one-year prospective study, we investigated if identified, introjected and external regulations for vocational activities and their combination are relevant to understand self-efficacy and attendance in a college program over and above interests (intrinsic motivation). Participants were 966 college students (66% female) who completed measures of motivation types (Time 1) and self-efficacy (Time 1 and Time 2) toward each RIASEC occupational theme. Results based on a variable-centered approach revealed that students with autonomous motivations for a given RIASEC domain generally showed positive changes in self-efficacy in this domain. Students with high self-efficacy and identified regulation were also more likely to pursue a program in a corresponding domain. The combination of the types of motivation to predict outcomes was achieved via person-centered analyses (latent profile analyses). Results indicated three or four profiles' solution by RIASEC domain. In general, being in most adaptive profile (high levels of autonomous motivation, but low levels of controlled motivation) was more adaptive in terms of self-efficacy or attending a college program than other combination of motivation types. Results are discussed in light of Self-Determination Theory and the RIASEC model.

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