Student School-Counselor Vocational Identity Scale (SSCVIS): Instrument Construction and Validation

Abstract

Having a strong vocational identity is a precursor to the formation of a school counselor’s overall identity. Thus, vocational identity has been a key variable in vocational research. However, most existing studies have used Holland, Gottfredson, and Power’s My Vocational Situation (MVS) vocational identity subscale to measure vocational identity. Due to its item wording, we contend that the MVS does not accurately capture vocational identity as a stable construct. Additionally, its dichotomous response scale limits researchers' ability to evaluate its psychometric properties. To address these issues, we developed and validated a new "Student School Counselor Vocational Identity Scale (SSCVIS)" with Likert-type responses. The SSCVIS aims to measure individuals' awareness of their stable career goals, interests, and abilities. A total of 100 statements were developed, consisting of 40 for exploration and 60 for commitment. The validity test was conducted using item-total score correlation, with all items showing significant results. The reliability was calculated using Cronbach's Alpha, yielding a score of 0.918. Results suggest that the SSCVIS possesses sound internal reliability, a stable single-factor structure, and good convergent validity with relevant constructs, such as the occupational subscale of the Extended Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status (EOM-EIS). Based on these findings, we discuss the strengths and limitations of the SSCVIS scale and propose directions for future research.