Interesses profissionais: perspectivas teóricas e instrumentos de avaliação

Abstract

This article reviewed theoretical models about vocational interest development, specifically the Socio-Cognitive Theory of Career Development, Holland's Theory of professional types and the psychodynamic perspective. Some aspects of these models were explained and compared in order to show their main similarities and differences. Psychological tests that have been researched in Brazil were presented, considering these three perspectives. Interest test's that were evaluated by the Federal Council of Psychology are exhibited, highlighting the ones that were approved, refused, and that are in the process of evaluation, trying to expose the tests that are available for professional use. Only two tests that claim to assess vocational interests were approved by the Council, more specifically the "Teste de Fotos de Profissões - BBT-Br", with the male and female forms, and the "Escala de Aconselhamento Profissional". The importance of conducting research to create more vocational interest instruments with good psychometric properties was stressed.