Date

5-20-2026

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Kristen Kellen

Keywords

adverse childhood experiences, job fit, career choice, traumatic abuse, career opportunities, cycle of poverty

Disciplines

Psychology

Abstract

This quantitative correlational study examined how experiences of abuse and neglect influenced career choice and whether individuals perceived their chosen careers as a good fit. Data were collected through an electronically distributed survey shared via social media, resulting in a sample of 542 participants. Analyses explored relationships between ACE scores, career field, job fit, and demographic variables including age and sex. Findings indicated that there was no statistically significant relationship between ACE scores and perceived job fit. Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences between men and women in reported levels of job fit, nor between sex and highest level of education attained. However, a statistically significant relationship was found between sex and current industry or career field. Subgroup analyses of individuals reporting 4 or more ACEs revealed notable trends in career distribution, though these did not indicate a definitive pattern of job fit. Differences across age groups in ACE scores and job fit were also examined, with findings suggesting minimal variation. These results contributed to the existing body of research by clarifying the relationship between early adversity and career-related outcomes. Implications for practice include the importance of trauma-informed approaches in career counseling and workforce development, as well as increased awareness of how early life experience may influence, but not necessarily determine, career pathways and perceived job satisfaction.

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