The relationship between personality traits and vocational interests in a South African context

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a relationship between personality traits and vocational interests in the South African context. A sample of 770 subjects completed the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) and the Interest Questionnaire (INQ). The Pearson’s r indicates a number of low and moderate correlations between the factors on the 16PF and interest fields of the INQ. Partial correlations conducted shows that gender and race may influence these relationships, however these were slight changes. It is evident that a relationship exists between personality and vocational interest but seems to be weaker in the South African context than those found in studies conducted in Europe and the United States of America.