Examining the effects of contextual variables on living a calling over time

Abstract

Grounded in the Psychology of Working Theory (PWT; Duffy, Blustein, Diemer, & Autin, 2016), the current study examined the relations of contextual variables - social status and work volition - to living a calling over time with a diverse sample of employed adults. Participants were surveyed at three time points over six months, with an initial sample size of 601 and mean age of 35.75 years (SD = 11.32 years). Structural equation modeling was used to test for significant, cross lagged effects between the three constructs and test for mediation. Workplace autonomy was also included in the model as a plausible, alternative explanatory construct of living a calling, capturing individual's perceptions of their work environment. Social status was found to significantly predict work volition over time and work volition was found to significantly predict living a calling over time. Additionally, work volition at Time 2 was found to significantly mediate the effect of Time 1 social status on Time 3 living a calling, as well as the effect of Time 1 social status on Time 3 workplace autonomy. These results support core propositions from the PWT as well as previous, cross sectional research in the calling literature. Specifically, over time feeling choice in one's career decision making may predict the ability to live out a calling and be employed in autonomous work environments. Additionally, work volition may be a key reason why individuals from higher social status backgrounds experience more autonomous and fulfilling work. Implications for research and practice are discussed.