Using latent transition analysis to explore changes in decent work across time.

Abstract

This study explored longitudinal trajectories of decent work profiles guided by core propositions from psychology of working theory. Data were collected from 419 working adults in the United States at three time points over a 6-month period. We examined decent work trajectories using latent transition analysis considering two key covariates (work volition and career adaptability) and while accounting for other variables such as ethnicity, education, and income level. The analysis identified five latent decent work profiles: only safety, low health care, indecent work, average, and decent work. Notably, the indecent and decent work profiles were the most stable, while the only safety and low health care profiles were more likely to change with time. The influence of work volition and career adaptability on transition probabilities was found to partially align with the hypotheses of psychology of working theory. Findings indicated that, within psychology of working theory, these psychological mediators may operate through varied mechanisms to influence both the attainment and maintenance of decent work across time. Implications for future research, practical applications, and theoretical developments are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).