The role of abilities, interests and endogenous reinforcement in the selection and maintenance of careers: An application of a general model of motivation

Incorporating elements from the neurophysiology of reward, Skinnerian learning theory, and studies of interests and abilities, (1) a general theory of motivation is introduced and applied to the study of career decision-making. In this application, (2) a theory of career decision-making is proposed. A questionnaire designed to evaluate both theories was presented to Ph.D. students in biological and medical sciences, music majors, and P.E. majors with concentrations in wellness and fitness or allied fields. Three hundred eighty-four students from eight universities in two states participated in the study. Consistent with the predictions of the theories, the following was found: (1) Work that is congruous with one's interests and abilities is enjoyable; (2) The harder one labors at work that is congruous with one's interests and abilities the more pleasurable it is; (3) The more challenging one's work is the more pleasurable it is; (4) In general, students major in fields and aspire to careers that are most compatible with their strong interests; (5) In general, students major in fields and aspire to careers that promise to draw on their strongest abilities; (6) In general, the most important consideration in selecting a career is finding work that is enjoyable. This is a more important consideration than money, social status, or pleasing one's parents. These findings provide support for the proposed theory of motivation and its derivative, the theory of career decision-making. Implications of the theory of motivation for sociology are discussed.