A narrative approach to career identity construction of autistic adults

IF 5.2 1区心理学 Q1 PSYCHOLOGY, APPLIED

Journal of Vocational Behavior Pub Date : 2025-01-18 DOI:10.1016/j.jvb.2025.104092

Yael Goldfarb , Ofer Golan , Eynat Gal

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Due to the growing prevalence of autism diagnosis, counselors in various settings are more likely to encounter autistic adults seeking employment-related counseling and support. Research on employment in the field of autism has focused mostly on a person-environment fit perspective, which does not take into account the complexity of career behavior and contemporary developments in vocational psychology. The current study examined career narratives of autistic adults, with the aim of understanding how they perceive their work experiences and construct their career identities in relation to labor market norms. Twelve autistic employees took part in narrative interviews, which were analyzed employing dialogical narrative analysis. Findings revealed the recurrence of two major themes, conceptualized as a two-dimensional ‘autism career identity construction model’: (1) adapting vs. defiant views on job market demands and career norms, and (2) acceptance vs. rejection of the autism diagnosis. Findings illustrate ways in which autistic individuals position themselves in relation to both dimensions. The possible contribution of the model to theoretical understandings in the field is discussed, as well as potential applications for career counseling and vocational rehabilitation practices.

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来源期刊

Journal of Vocational Behavior PSYCHOLOGY, APPLIED-

CiteScore

13.10

自引率

5.40%

发文量

期刊介绍： The Journal of Vocational Behavior publishes original empirical and theoretical articles offering unique insights into the realms of career choice, career development, and work adjustment across the lifespan. These contributions are not only valuable for academic exploration but also find applications in counseling and career development programs across diverse sectors such as colleges, universities, business, industry, government, and the military. The primary focus of the journal centers on individual decision-making regarding work and careers, prioritizing investigations into personal career choices rather than organizational or employer-level variables. Example topics encompass a broad range, from initial career choices (e.g., choice of major, initial work or organization selection, organizational attraction) to the development of a career, work transitions, work-family management, and attitudes within the workplace (such as work commitment, multiple role management, and turnover).