Vocational interests among rehabilitation education students in Germany: a typological approach

Abstract

Interest is a key driver of educational decisions and academic performance. Research on vocational interests among students in rehabilitation education is still limited. Therefore, this study examines the differentiation of vocational interests in rehabilitation education students based on the RIASEC model and explores factors associated with these interests. Data were collected from 140 students enrolled in bachelor's and master's programs of rehabilitation education across four German universities. A cluster analysis revealed three vocational interests groups: The Lower-Interest Group, the Creative-Inspired Group, and the Pragmatic-Analytical Group. Subsequent analyses indicate that the Big Five personality traits of agreeableness, neuroticism, and openness to experience are associated with these three interest groups. These findings provide a foundation for international comparative studies and offer practical implications for academic advising, helping study counselors guide (potential) students in their decisions regarding the rehabilitation education study program.