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Calling and Vocational Identity Development: Narrative Analysis of Christian Academicians' Life Journeys

Posted on:2012-03-14Degree:Ph.DType:Thesis
University:Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola UniversityCandidate:Schrage, Karissa MFull Text:PDF
GTID:2467390011469650Subject:Clinical Psychology
Abstract/Summary:
The purpose of the present study is to extend the findings of a preliminary exploratory research project on vocational identity development and calling in career academics (Schrage, 2009, unpublished master's thesis). Utilizing the life story method (McAdams, 2006), five professors were interviewed with a semi-structured interview approach. Narrative analysis was employed for in-case analysis (triangulated with each other recursively); then triangulated with thematic across case analysis using a paradigmatic approach. Methodological rigor was added through multiple in-depth interviews with each participant, data analysis and triangulation, and contextually driven cross-case comparison (Pak, 2006). Seven areas emerged as meaningful for the life of the career academic: family process; the role of parental relationships; separation/individuation; mentoring; experiences of promotion rejection; and retirement. Common themes and insights from each of the cases are compared and contrasted. Challenges in each career stage are explored as is the presence of vocational identity and calling in each individual's life. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed followed by implications for both clinical work and faculty development.
Keywords/Search Tags:Vocational identity, Life, Development, Calling
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