Faith, Identity, and Vocation: Longitudinal and Gender Effects March 18, 2015 Dr. Don Thompson Dr. 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 3

Faith Measures SubscalesSample Items Strength 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. 4

Changes in Faith Development 5

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

IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT 8 Changes in Identity Development (Explore, Commit)

Gender Differences in Identity

Vocation: Discernment and Action Through Service SubscalesSample Items Discernment 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. 10

Cell Phone Survey on Vocational Discernment & Action Text to

Changes in Vocational Discernment & Action 12

Gender Differences in Vocation Discernment and Action 13

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 14

Cell Phone Survey on Barriers Text to

16 First-Year Student Survey Personal Barriers  Fear 51%  Self-Interest 12%  Parents & Family 11%  No Barriers26%

Changes in Vocation Barriers Over Time 17

Gender Differences: Vocation Barriers 18

Predictors of Life Purpose: Females Faith Maturity Achieved Identity Moratorium Identity Life Purpose Personal Barriers

Predictors of Life Purpose: Males Achieved Identity Life Purpose

Conclusions The 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 Community 21

Don Thompson Cindy Miller-Perrin