Vocational identity flexibility and psychosocial functioning in Italian high school students

ABSTRACT

Flexibility is considered one of the key resources for a successful adaptation to the world of work. It has also been defined as “the positive side” of career reconsideration process in vocational identity theory. However, previous empirical observations conducted in the Italian context have highlighted the negative relationship between vocational identity flexibility and psychological resources in adolescence. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between vocational reconsideration dimensions and positive and negative outcomes of psychosocial functioning in a sample of Italian high school students. Structural equation modeling was performed in order to test theoretical hypothesis about the relations between reconsideration dimensions, agency, well-being, internalizing symptoms and externalizing behavior. Results confirmed a general association between vocational identity flexibility and negative psychosocial functioning. The study shows how a better conceptualization of career reconsideration dimensions is needed. Finally, the results warn against an excessive promotion of vocational flexibility among adolescents and encourage high schools to support students in their life design process.

KEYWORDS:

• Identity flexibility
• career
• adolescents
• high school
• vocational identity

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Luca Fusco

Luca Fusco is a PhD candidate in “Mind, Gender and Language” at the University of Naples “Federico II”, in Naples, Italy. His research interests are in developmental psychology, vocational identity formation and career counseling.

Luigia Simona Sica

Luigia Simona Sica is associate professor at the University of Naples “Federico II”, in Naples, Italy. Her research interests are in identity formation processes, creativity development and the use of technology in education. She is the author of numerous quantitative and qualitative studies published on International Journals.

Anna Parola

Anna Parola, PhD, is a researcher working at the University of Naples “Federico II”. Her main interest is related to the developmental outcomes of experiencing “NEET” condition during emerging adulthood.

Laura Aleni Sestito

Laura Aleni Sestito is full professor at the University of Naples “Federico II”, in Naples, Italy. Her research interests are in identity formation processes and transition to adulthood. She is the author of numerous international articles and books.