Holland's Theory and the Impact of Person-Environment Fit on Grades, Perceived Gains, and Satisfaction

• In Event: 25.067 - Roundtable Session 7
  In Roundtable Session: 25.067-4 - Environments

Abstract

Holland’s theory of vocational choice is a framework that has been used to study the process of choosing a major, the socialization process of academic disciplines, and the effects of person-environment fit on student learning and development. This study tests one of Holland’s propositions that students flourish in academic environments (i.e., majors) that are congruent with their personality types. In addition, we also examine the extent to which student characteristics influence person-environment fit. Findings indicated that student characteristics were significantly related to person-environment fit. Moreover, person-environment fit is positively related to self-reported grades. However, person-environment was not significantly related to either perceived gains or satisfaction.

Authors

• Louis Rocconi, The University of Tennessee Knoxville

• Xiqian Liu, Indiana university

• Gary R. Pike, Indiana University - Purdue University at Indianapolis