Capturing the collectivist cultural dynamics of vocational identity formation in Macao: expanding the three-dimensional status model

Abstract

This research expanded the three-dimensional vocational identity status model proposed by Crocetti et al. (J Adolesc 31(2):207–222, 2008b, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2007.09.002 ) to develop the Macao Vocational Identity Status Assessment (MVISA). The MVISA was then validated on two samples of 274 and 245 college students in Macao, China. The original in-depth exploration dimension was differentiated into inter- and intra-exploration, and the original reconsideration of commitment dimension was extended into self-doubt and flexibility. The MVISA exhibited solid psychometric characteristics and was able to identify the theoretical vocational identity statuses proposed by Marcia (J Pers Soc Psychol 3(5):551–558, 1966, https://doi.org/10.1037/h0023281 ), with the culturally meaningful variations being assessed using cluster analyses with differentiated constructs.