Dispositional Resistance to Change and Occupational Interests and Choices

Through two field studies, we examine the role that individuals' orientation toward change has in determining their occupational choices and interests. In Study 1, 139 job applicants' dispositional resistance to change (RTC) scores were associated with occupational choice, such that individuals applying for investigative and enterprising jobs tended to have lower RTC scores in comparison to those applying for realistic and conventional jobs. In Study 2, among 45 individuals in artistic jobs and 61 individuals in conventional jobs, the routine-seeking dimension of RTC was negatively associated with the artistic choice and interests and positively associated with the conventional choice and interests. The inverse pattern of relationships was found for the emotional reaction dimension of RTC. The relevance of these findings for the occupational field is discussed.