The Relationship Between States of Anxiety, Negative Career Thoughts, and Information‐Processing Skills

ABSTRACT Cognitive information processing (CIP) theory focuses on domains of career decision‐making and problem‐solving with the inclusion of affective and cognitive dimensions. Despite this focus, there is sparse research on the connection between anxiety and CIP cognitive dimensions of negative career thoughts and information‐processing (CIP) skills. This study of 181 participants at a large university career center that serves community members explored the connection between forms of anxiety (i.e., state, trait, overall), negative career thoughts, and CIP skills using the Career Thoughts Inventory (CTI) and the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Correlational research, including regression analyses, was performed to examine this connection. Results indicated a relationship between anxiety and negative career thoughts and information‐processing skills. Particularly, trait and overall anxiety were found to be most associated with negative career thoughts and CIP skills. Implications of these findings in career practice, research, and theory are provided.