What is the primary purpose of interest inventories in career counseling?

Interest inventories are designed primarily to help individuals identify their preferences and interests related to various careers and job environments. By assessing what a person enjoys and values in work, these tools guide career counselors in providing tailored advice that aligns with the client's passions and vocational aspirations.

Determining job satisfaction is indeed related to these inventories, as understanding a person's interests can lead to greater fulfillment in their chosen profession. If individuals are matched with careers that resonate with their interests, they are likely to experience higher job satisfaction, which in turn affects their overall well-being and productivity in their work.

Other options, while important in their own contexts, do not align with the primary function of interest inventories. Assessing mathematical ability and evaluating academic performance focus on skill and achievement metrics rather than on personal career preferences. Measuring psychological distress pertains to mental health evaluations, which, while important, do not directly correlate with career interests and choices.