Vocational interests by gender and race 10 years after spinal cord injury

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Study examined vocational interests among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) as a function of gender and race approximately 10 years after SCI onset. A total of 247 participants completed the Strong Interest Inventory, a 291-item measure of vocational interests. Results showed that male participants more often indicated a preference for working in physically challenging jobs, and female participants more often indicated interests in caring for others. Racial differences were also seen, with White participants indicating interests in physical challenging jobs, whereas Black participants reported interests in organizational systems (e.g., information systems, accounting) and positions of leadership. For both female and Black participants, interests are more physically compatible with employment post-SCI than male and White participants. Yet, employment rates in White males with SCI are greater than those of female and Black individuals with SCI. These findings suggest further research is needed on factors influencing gender and racial disparities in employment and underscore the importance of helping people with SCI to find opportunities matching their vocational interests.

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