The three faces of interests: An integrative review of interest research in vocational, organizational, and educational psychology

Abstract

The current review presents a theoretical integration of interest research across the fields of vocational, organizational, and educational psychology and provides empirical evidence that supports this integration. Guided by the framework of Trait-State Interest Dynamics (TSID; Su, Stoll, & Rounds, 2018), I discuss three research themes that cut across and link the currently segregated disciplines: (1) the motivational functions of interests (direction, vigor, persistence), (2) the behavioral outcomes of interests (selection into academic and work environments, performance in academic and work settings, educational and career success), and (3) the affective and cognitive experience of interest and interventions for increasing interest. The review leverages advancement in interest research over the last two decades (1999–2018) since the publication of Savickas and Spokane's (1999) edited book Vocational Interests: Meaning, Measurement, and Counseling Use, with a particular focus on new meta-analytic findings across the fields. I discuss updated evidence that counters previous beliefs about interests, areas where current research is lacking or needs further synthesis, and future directions for the development of interest theory, assessment, and application. In closing, I highlight the need to understand interest and interest fit as dynamic phenomena in individuals' work life.