Faith, Identity, and Vocation: Longitudinal

and Gender Effects

March 18, 2015

Dr. Don ThompsonDr. Cindy Miller-Perrin

1

The Development of Vocation in

Pepperdine University Undergraduates The college years are a critical time

for the development of one’s sense of vocation.

The development of vocation is related to: Faith Identity Vocational Barriers

2

SURVEY INSTRUMENTS

Faith Measures

Identity Development Measure

Vocation: Discernment & Action

Barriers to Vocation Discernment & Action

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Faith Measures

Subscales Sample ItemsStrength of Belief I believe in God.

Faith Behavior How often have you read a devotional, religious, or spiritual book in the last year?

Application of Faith I depend on my faith in God for decision-making and direction.

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Changes in Faith Development

05

1015202530354045

Belief Strength

Behavior

Application

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Gender Differences on Faith Measures

6

Measure of Identity Development Identity scores for four developmental

categories: Diffusion: no exploration or commitment

“I haven’t really considered politics. It just doesn’t excite me much.”

Foreclosure: no exploration, but commitment “My parents decided a long time ago what I

should go into for employment and I’m following through with their plans.”

Moratorium: exploration without commitment “Religion is confusing to me right now. I keep

changing my views on what is right and wrong for me.”

Achievement: exploration and commitment “It took me a while to figure it out, but now I

really know what I want for a career.” 7

IDENTITYIDENTITY DEVELOPMENTDEVELOPMENT

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

First-Year Sophomore Junior Senior

Diffusion (-,-)

Foreclosure (-,+)

Moratorium (+,-)

Achievement (+,+)

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Changes in Identity

Development(Explore, Commit)

Gender Differences in Identity

Vocation: Discernment and Action Through Service

Subscales Sample ItemsDiscernment I have a good sense of my purpose

in life.

I know of the many ways that I can use my gifts and talents within the context of my professional career.

I have a good sense of God’s purpose for my life.

Action Through Service

I am motivated to choose a career that will enable me to provide some type of service to others.

I feel a deep sense of responsibility for reducing pain and suffering in the world.

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Cell Phone Survey on Vocational Discernment

& Action

Text to 22333

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Changes in Vocational Discernment & Action

0

1

2

3

4

5

Know Ways to Use Gifts and Talents

Sense of God's Purpose for Life

Feel Deep Responsibility to Reduce Suffering

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Gender Differences in Vocation Discernment

and Action

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Vocation Barriers

Subscales Barriers to Vocation

Personal Fear

Emotional Problems

Self-doubt

Lack of motivation

Interpersonal A parent

A friend

A boy/girl friend

A teacher or professor

Social and Cultural

Lack of financial resources

Feeling pressure or a desire to get married

Feeling that my opportunities are limited by the gender stereotypes of society

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Cell Phone Survey on Barriers

Text to 22333

15

1616

First-Year Student Survey

Personal BarriersFear Fear 51%51%

Self-InterestSelf-Interest 12%12%

Parents & FamilyParents & Family 11%11%

No BarriersNo Barriers 26%26%

Changes in Vocation Barriers

Over Time

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Gender Differences: Vocation Barriers

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Predictors of Life Purpose: Females

Faith Maturity

Achieved Identity

Moratorium Identity

Life Purpose

Personal Barriers

Predictors of Life Purpose: Males

Achieved Identity

Life Purpose

ConclusionsThe college years are a critical time for the development of faith, identity, and vocational calling

The sophomore year is particularly important to this development

Differences between males and females exist on measures of faith, vocation as service, and vocation barriers

Seek Faculty/Staff Mentoring

Belong to a Faith Community21

Don Thompson thompson@pepperdine.edu

Cindy Miller-Perrin cperrin@pepperdine.edu