Orientations and motivations: Are you a “people person,” a “thing person,” or both?

Previous theory and research suggests that individuals selectively orient primarily toward the social environment (people)
or toward the physical environment (things). These orientations can be conceptualized as motivation-based complexes that influence
personal preferences and interests, with consequences for important life choices. This paper examined differential orientation
in two studies, one with university students and another with children. Person-thing Orientation showed sex differences and
was related to occupational choices in both age groups. For university students person-thing interests were linked to academic
majors, and retention within programs focused on things (e.g., science and engineering). Sex differences were greater for
TO than PO, but not for students majoring in engineering. Sex differences in selective orientations to the social and physical
environments were similar in children (3rd and 6th grade) and university students, suggesting processes may be underway early
and may be consequential for sex differences in interests and career trajectories for STEM.