Aging engineers' occupational self-efficacy-a mixed methods study.
Stina Wallin1, Anncristine Fjellman-Wiklund2, Lisbeth Fagerström1,3
1Faculty of Education and Welfare Studies, Health Sciences, Åbo Akademi University, Vaasa, Finland.
Frontiers in Psychology
|June 5, 2023
Summary
Aging engineers
Area of Science:
- Engineering Workforce Studies
- Occupational Health Psychology
Background:
- Modern engineering demands increased complexity and adaptability.
- Occupational self-efficacy is vital for engineers navigating work changes and job demands.
- Limited research exists on occupational self-efficacy in aging engineers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore facilitators and barriers impacting aging engineers' occupational self-efficacy.
- To identify factors enabling continued work until retirement age.
- To determine the prominence of specific influencing aspects.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory mixed-methods study (qualitative to quantitative).
- 125 engineers (45-65 years) responded to open-ended survey questions.
- Qualitative content analysis followed by descriptive statistics.
Main Results:
- Health and health-affecting working conditions are key facilitators and barriers.
- Engineers highlighted competence, meaningful tasks, family/leisure, and financial security.
- Personal health emerged as a significant factor in self-efficacy for a full working life.
Conclusions:
- Aging engineers' ability to work is strongly linked to their health and work environment.
- Targeted support addressing health issues is crucial for maintaining occupational self-efficacy.
- Policies should consider the multifaceted factors influencing engineers' career longevity.
Keywords:
aging workersengineersfull working lifemixed methodsoccupational self-efficacypersonal resourcesMore Related Videos
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