The relations amongst maladaptive cognitions, defense mechanisms and career satisfaction

The relations amongst maladaptive cognitions, defense mechanisms and career satisfaction

Career decisions are not necessarily rational as they depend on an individual’s state of mind. Interests, work values, and career satisfaction are commonly investigated in the career development field, but emotions are ostensibly absent in career theory. The way people understand and interpret their life stories is influenced by unconscious influences such as cognitive schemas and defense mechanisms. Maladaptive schemas are usually unconscious and occur when cognitive and emotional patterns created early in life become rigid, self-defeating, and repetitive. Defense mechanisms also influence subjective reactions and can influence emotional distress, stress management, functioning and quality of life. A survey using a sample of American members of the general public (N = 376) was conducted and measured their maladaptive schemas, defense mechanisms, and career satisfaction. Most cognitive schemas correlated with career adaptabilities. There were many moderate correlations between defense mechanisms and career adaptabilities, especially mature defenses, such as sublimation. This research will inform the psychodynamic theory of career development and practice of career counselling.

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