Interesses profissionais e inclinações motivacionais em estudantes universitários

Abstract

Professional interests can be defined as preferences for professional activities, while motivational inclinations refer to internal motivations that guide career choices. These two constructs are interconnected and develop throughout an individual’s life, influencing career decisions and mental health. This dissertation, part of the Research Line on Psychological Processes and Health within the Graduate Program in Psychology at UFAM, aimed to assess the professional interests and motivational inclinations of university students in Manaus, the capital of Amazonas. Two studies were conducted. The first study, quantitative in nature, involved 220 students from various courses and fields of knowledge, with a majority of female participants (70.45%), followed by male (28.64%) and non-binary (0.91%) participants, with a mean age of 23 years and a standard deviation of 4.66. Using the Holland Assessment of Professional Types Scale (ATPH), administered virtually, the study found a predominance of the Investigative (mean 2.55; standard deviation 0.71) and Social (mean 2.27; standard deviation 0.75) types. These profiles indicate that students tend to engage in research and investigative activities, as well as areas related to healing, education, and human assistance. Statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were found between fields of knowledge and the Realistic, Social, and Conventional professional types, but no significant differences were identified between female, male, and non-binary participants concerning the RIASEC model profiles. The second study, qualitative and based on multiple case analyses, examined the motivational inclinations of six university students enrolled in Physical Education and Physiotherapy programs. The results highlighted tendencies toward activities involving care, touch, and sensitivity (radical W), as well as social engagement, focusing on health, rehabilitation, and dynamic human treatment (radical S), aligning with the profiles of these professions. The dissertation underscores the importance of the ATPH and BBT-Br tools in Professional and Career Guidance (OPC) processes, demonstrating that their application can support interventions aimed at self-awareness and career planning, contributing to more assertive decision-making in the university context.