Understanding calling: a qualitative study

Abstract

Definitions of the construct of “calling” in the context of work have broadened over time. However, prior to the present study, research has not investigated the accuracy of these definitions for college students. This qualitative study examined responses from 295 college students to questions related to the construct of calling in attempt to gain a better understanding of how calling is conceptualized at the present time. The results of this study found that calling was often described by students as: originating from external sources, having a component of unique fit and well-being, having altruistic features and extending to multiple life roles. These results provide support for how calling has been conceptualized by recent theorists in this area.