CHAPTER 16
THEORIES IN COMBINATION
Pages 432-451 provide an outline that is more in depth than the Theory Outline at the
beginning of each chapter. Each outline is followed by my view of strengths and weaknesses of
each theory. My view is less important than your views and the views of your students.
There are several ways to use the outline and comments in Chapter 16.
1. Skip it, and let students review on their own.
AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH TO CAREER DEVELOPMENT THEORY
LAPAN AND TURNER –
A contextually responsive career-counseling system for young people from kindergarten
through high school.
A practical approach that shows how to use methods in individual and group career
counseling, classroom-based education, computer guidance programs, and community
programs.
3. Develop work-readiness skills-An ability to build effective interpersonal relationships;
interact well with people from diverse cultures; develop positive working habits; develop
basic skills for interacting with employers; and become creative, motivated, and open to
opportunity.
6. Help students to achieve academically and to value lifelong learning. Super’s
emphasis on growth in the establishment and maintenance stages of adult career
development (Chapter 9).
COMBINING THEORIES
Trait and factor theory
• General trait and factor theory
• Work adjustment theory
• Holland’s theory of types
• Myers-Briggs type theory
Life-span theory
• Super
Career decision-making theory
• Krumboltz’s social learning theory
• Spiritual approach to career counseling
• Cognitive information processing perspective
Does NOT fit into one of the three categories
• Constructivist approaches
Combining Life-Span Theory with Trait and Factor and Career Decision-Making Theories
Super and trait and factor theory
Childhood
Super – development of curiosity, exploration, and information leading to development of
Gottfredson – orientation to size and power, gender roles, social class variables, and self
awareness.
Trait and factor theory and career decision making theories usually not appropriate in
childhood.
Early Adolescence
Convergence of life-span theory and other theories becomes murky.
Super – career maturity, career planning, career exploration, decision making, world-of-
work information, and knowledge of preferred occupation
Late Adolescence and Adulthood
Trait and factor theories – Holland
Combining Trait and Factor Theories
Can use different trait and factor theories at once.
Combining Career Decision-Making Theories
NONCOUNSELING APPLICATIONS OF THEORIES
Screening Methods
Tests or inventories that screen for clients who will benefit from counseling most.
Examples: Career Development Inventory; Holland’s Self Directed Search
Internet
Great variety of career information
Assessment inventories (Appendix B)
Career information (Appendix C)
SPECIAL COUNSELING ISSUES
Group Career Counseling
Concepts and materials provided can usually be applied to most group settings.
Primary use is to impart information, also to help with exploration and self-efficacy.
Trait and factor theory – select test and inventories – all trait and factor theories can be
used.
Cognitive information processing has been applied to career classes.
Career Counseling as a Related Issue
When career counseling is NOT the primary concern.
Can use Myers-Briggs, work adjustment theory, Super, and Gottfredson (for children).
Placement Counseling
Many authors have written job search books to help people find a job. Azrin has used a
behavioral approach in the development of the “job club”.
Holland – different types use different approaches.
USE OF ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENTS IN THEORIES
Trait and factor theory rely heavily on tests and inventories.
Less for life-span theory, even less for spirituality theory.
OCCUPATIONAL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT THEORIES
Associated with trait and factor theory
HOW THEORIES APPLY TO CAREER DEVELOPMENT ISSUES OF WOMEN
Life-span theory addresses issues for women at different developmental stages.
HOW THEORIES APPLY TO CULTURAL DIVERSITY ISSUES IN COUNSELING
Life span theory has studied groups at different developmental stages.
COUNSELOR ISSUES
Trait and Factor Theories
Awareness of differences in abilities, interests, values, and personality of client and
counselor.
Life-Span Theories
Attention to different roles and stages of the client and the counselor.
Career Decision-Making Theories
Krumboltz – counseling skills should match needs of client.
Sociological and Economic Approaches
Focuses on inequalities that exist for women and culturally diverse populations.