An idiothetic examination of vocational interests and their relation to career decidedness

This study examined individuals' deviation from J. L. Holland's (1985, 1997) normative circular RIASEC model of organizing interests and determined if deviation is related to career indecision, career certainty, and perceptions of competence. Information was gathered from 162 college students enrolled in a career development course. Results revealed that deviation from the normative structure was associated with less career certainty and more career indecision. The contention that deviation was related to lower general self-efficacy was not supported. The range of interest structures used and the degree of deviation from the normative Holland RIASEC circle was also assessed. Recommendations for counselors are discussed.