Personal and Vocational Interest Orientations: Comparison of Undergraduates in Two Programs

Abstract

To compare the vocational interests and degree of self-actualization of males and females involved in two business programs, the University-Year-for-Action and the traditional area, the Strong Vocational Interest Blank and Personal Orientation Inventory were administered to 26 male and 6 female students and 86 male and 15 female students in Action and traditional programs. The Action men were higher than the traditional men on the Personal Orientation Inventory scales for self-actualizing value, spontaneity and synergy and the Action women were higher than the traditional women on self-actualizing value, self-regard, and capacity for intimate contact. Both Action males and females had Strong basic interests and occupational scale scores reflecting a higher social service and lower business orientation than the traditional students.