Career Adapt-Abilities Scale-USA Form: Psychometric properties and relation to vocational identity

This article reports construction and initial validation of the United States form of the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale (CAAS). The CAAS consists of four scales, each with six items, which measure concern, control, curiosity, and confidence as psychosocial resources for managing occupational transitions, developmental tasks, and work traumas. Internal consistency estimates for the subscale and total scores ranged from good to excellent. The factor structure was quite similar to the one computed for combined data from 13 countries. An attempt to strengthen the subscale internal consistency estimates and coherence of the factor structure by adding additional items failed. In the end the USA Form is identical to the International Form. Concurrent validity evidence was collected relative to career identity, given that adaptability and identity have been identified as meta-competencies for career construction in information societies. Relations between career adaptability and vocational identity formation processes and status outcomes were as predicted.

► Defines career adaptability as a psychosocial resource.
► Reports construction of the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale-USA Form.
► Delineates psychometric characteristics of CAAS-USA.
► Examines relation of career adaptability to vocational identity.