Social Cognitive Career Theory,the Theory of Work Adjustment,and Work Satisfaction of Retirement-Age Adults

Abstract

Despite an increase in the number of adults working past traditional retirement age, existing theories of vocational behavior are not yet adequately supported in this population. In a sample of 1,858 adults aged 60–87, we evaluated the relationship between theorized predictors of work satisfaction proposed by social cognitive career theory (SCCT), including life satisfaction, self-efficacy, and the personality traits of extraversion, conscientiousness, and neuroticism; work satisfaction as a predictor of continued work, as proposed by the theory of work adjustment (TWA); and the influence of work discrimination, chronic discrimination, and lifetime discrimination on these relationships. While the results supported most predicted relationships, chronic work discrimination negatively affected self-efficacy and predicted both work satisfaction and intention to continue working somewhat more strongly than did the other variables proposed by either SCCT or TWA in this sample.

Keywords

social learning and cognitive theory others (career theory)older adult employees career/vocational education/guidance

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