No abstract

Research suggests that workers with unanswered callings have poorer outcomes than those without callings; however, these studies have used small or homogeneous samples (Berg et al., 2010; Gazica & Spector, 2015). We aimed to replicate this finding using a nationally representative sample of 445 full‐time workers. We compared key work and life criterion variables across three groups: individuals with answered callings, unanswered callings, and no calling at all. Results linked answered callings to benefits but, unlike earlier studies, suggested that unanswered callings were no worse than lacking a calling. These findings call into question the narrative that unanswered callings are associated with adverse effects, suggesting that career counselors may be able to facilitate discernment of a calling without having a negative impact on those for whom that calling goes unanswered. Research designed to test causal influences of these dynamics is an important next step for understanding the experiences of individuals with answered callings, unanswered callings, or no calling at all.

Introduction Park and Folkman's (1997) meaning‐making model posits that distress from traumatic events stems from discrepancies between one's global meaning framework and appraised situational meaning of the traumatic event, with meaning making diminishing these discrepancies and thus bolstering well‐being. The current study investigates this supposition over a 19‐year span in mid‐life adults. Methods We selected participants from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study who had indicated the experience of a negatively impactful traumatic event (N = 1687). We hypothesized that increased positive reappraisal (a type of meaning making) would have an indirect effect on positive and negative affect through the three dimensions of meaning in life (significance, coherence, and purpose). Results All direct and indirect effects were significant and supported hypotheses. Conclusion Results suggest that the assertions of the meaning‐making model hold true over a period of nearly two decades among mid‐life adults who have experienced traumatic events.

No abstract

Most scholars consider the “calling” construct to be multidimensional, yet very little research has examined the dimensions. Of the proposed dimensions, the most unique—and controversial—is a “transcendent summons” toward a particular career. In two studies, we investigated if a transcendent summons uniquely predicts individuals’ endorsement of having a calling, as well as their career-related and general well-being, beyond calling’s other dimensions. Participants were undergraduate students in the U.S. ( n = 492) and working adults drawn from a nationally representative, stratified U.S. panel study ( n = 767). Results suggested transcendent summons accounted for robust portions of unique variance in perceptions of calling for undergraduates and working adults. Results were mixed for other criterion variables, as a transcendent summons explained variance beyond calling’s other dimensions for three of the five career-related and general well-being variables for undergraduates, and two of five for working adults. Research and practice implications are discussed.