Centering Matrices of Domination: Steps Toward a More Intersectional Vocational Psychology

The present paper responds to calls to integrate a more explicitly intersectional framework and agenda to vocational psychology. We elucidate how several matrices of domination (i.e., interlocking systems of oppression) may shape the working lives of Americans. Although vocational psychology has made limited progress in exploring two such matrices—the impact of White supremacy and Patriarchy—and expanding research, theory, and clinical work to increasingly diverse populations, we argue that other oppressive systemic forces have been largely overlooked. In response to this gap, a close analysis of how our economic system (i.e., late-stage capitalism, neoliberalism) and Christian hegemony (i.e., protestant work ethic, the prosperity gospel) have impacted the workforce is provided. Finally, to center intersectional perspectives on change, we argue that vocational psychology must pivot to a more activist stance and provide recommendations for research, training, and clinical work.

Person- and System-Focused Prevention in Preparing Youth to Navigate an Uncertain Work Future

In this article, we discuss the integration of prevention science and vocational psychology for person- and system-focused prevention with a critical social justice agenda. More specifically, we focus on career development education as a potentially transformative primary prevention activity for increasing youth access to decent work and lives of well-being. We consider this as a critical agenda for two reasons. First, there are continued declines in the availability of decent work on a global level. In addition, youth who are marginalized by society are particularly vulnerable in competing for access to such dwindling opportunities and in thriving in communities and workplaces characterized by oppressive policies and practices. Building upon previous work in prevention and vocational psychology from a social justice perspective, we suggest that the psychology of working theory (PWT) can serve as a conceptual framework for developing and evaluating person- and system-focused preventive interventions that will address marginalization and seek to prepare all youth for an uncertain and shifting work future.

Factors Affecting Employees’ Problem-Solving Skills in Technology-Rich Environments in Japan and Korea

This study conducts an analysis about the impact of basic background, cultural capital, skill use, and participation in training on employees’ problem-solving proficiency in Japan and Korea based on data from the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies Survey (PIAAC). This research compared four clusters (basic background, cultural capital, participation in training, skill usage) to determine the factors affecting problem-solving skills in technology-rich environments (PSTRE) in Japan and Korea. In addition, we examined whether aging moderate the relationship between skill usage and participation in training and PSTRE. The finding shows that PSTRE is associated with the basic background, cultural capital, and skill usage. Moreover, the interaction effect between the use of skill at home and age is statistically significant in Japan. Our results provide new insights for vocational psychology and work-life research in the context of employers, employees, as well as policymakers.

Exploratory Bifactor Measurement Models in Vocational Behavior Research

We provide an overview of and guidance for applying exploratory bifactor models to vocational research. First, we describe bifactor models and highlight their potential and actual applications in vocational psychology. Second, we review the theoretical bases of bifactor models and offer methodological guidance to correctly implement and interpret these models in practice. Third, we estimate a bifactor model in two vocational datasets to illustrate the concepts reviewed in this manuscript. The resulting models highlight novel insights in careers research (e.g., developmental performance feedback and personality [conscientiousness] modeling) that are made possible by leveraging bifactor measurement models. Overall, this manuscript provides a useful introduction to bifactor models to facilitate vocational behavior scholars and practitioners in thoughtfully producing and consuming bifactor models in their own research.

Purpose, Meaning, and Career Pathways

In addition to providing financial means, work offers an opportunity for individuals to experience meaning and purpose. Meaningful work, defined in this chapter as work that is worthwhile and personally significant, is linked to job satisfaction, work motivation, and psychological well-being. Several vocational psychology theories of career development, along with research on work as a calling and the protean career orientation, have addressed factors that likely influence meaning and purpose in work, either directly or indirectly. This chapter examines the opportunities for career pathways programs and professionals for promoting purpose and meaning in work over the course of a career. Specific strategies related to career choice, choice implementation, career engagement and maintenance/management, as well as retirement, bridge employment, and encore careers are addressed. Future directions for research and practice are also discussed.

Turning Around to Look Ahead: Views of Vocational Psychology in 2001 and 2019

Ten scholars in vocational psychology identified strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in a 2001 issue of the Journal of Vocational Behavior. This article reviews the state of the field in 2001 and then identifies to what extent the strengths and concerns have changed in the past two decades. While the field continues to have a strong theoretical and empirical tradition, old concerns about insularity, methods used to examine research questions, gulfs between science and practice, and turf wars remain a serious threat to the field. We outline the nature of these concerns and propose recommendations from the literature to these concerns.

Vocational Psychology and the Future: The Role of Telepsychology in Shaping Research

Vocational psychologists have predicted the utilization of telepsychology in career interventions, yet vocational research have not capitalized on this modality. The purpose of this article is to describe how telepsychology could be used effectively in vocational psychology research to expand the reach and application of the field’s scholarship to real-world practice. We discuss challenges and ethical issues of this modality and the limitations of vocational psychology scholarship. We argue that telepsychology can overcome current challenges in the field by allowing vocational psychology research to extend to underserved populations, to produce scholarship that might better fill the research to practice gap, and to have practical application to better meet the challenges of the rapidly transforming world of work. In this article, each of these research areas is explored and potential research questions are highlighted.