Updated Meta-Analysis on the Relationship Between Congruence and Satisfaction

Abstract

This article reports on a replication meta-analysis of Holland’s congruence theory, which maps the relationship between vocational interests-vocational environments on one hand and satisfaction on the other. The replication is based on 26 studies reported between 1988 and 2003, representing 53 samples and 6,557 respondents. This meta-analysis also examines the effect of culture and age as moderating variables on the congruence-satisfaction relationship. The current replication found no support for the moderating effect of others in the environment, satisfaction source, and code type, as reported by the previous meta-analysis. However, previous findings regarding the effect of congruence index as a moderator were confirmed. Moreover, this type of interest questionnaire was also found to be a moderating variable. The examination of the effects of culture yielded differences between studies conducted in the United States and Israel. Some support was also found for age as a moderating variable. Recommendations for future research are suggested.