Feeling the Fit: Emotional Association of Vocational Interest and Indecision in Youth

The role of emotions is understudied in relation to career choices. Building on prior research suggesting that emotions can shape decision-making and interest, this study uses an experimental design to investigate the emotions evoked by various career options and their relationship with vocational interests and indecision. Fifty-seven youths participated in the experiment, which involved identifying the interests and emotions elicited by professional activities represented in photographs, after completing a questionnaire on indecision and dispositional affects. Results show that over half of the occupational photos triggered at least one positive or negative emotion. Additionally, one-fourth of the photos evoked mixed emotions (both positive and negative). Specific positive and negative emotions were distinctly related to (dis)interest in RIASEC domains. Dispositional affects, but not situational ones, were significantly associated with indecision—with the notable exception of mixed emotions in the Social domain, which were linked to internal conflicts. Implications for practice and research are discussed.