A Content Analysis of Career Development Theory, Research, and Practice-2013

Evaluating the Scholarly Impact of Vocational Research With Diverse Racial/Ethnic Groups: 1969–2017

Using citation analysis, this study evaluates the scholarly impact of 482 career-related articles on diverse racial/ethnic groups (DREGs) in the United States from a pool of 6,453 journal articles published in the Journal of Vocational Behavior ( JVB), Career Development Quarterly ( CDQ), Journal of Career Development ( JCD), and Journal of Career Assessment ( JCA) from 1969 to 2017. DREG career articles from JVB had the highest average citations, followed by CDQ, JCA, and JCD. DREG career articles on cross-cultural validation and cultural specificity received the most total citations, followed by articles on practice/interventions and racial/ethnic disparities. DREG career articles had a growing impact over time, with articles in cultural specificity having more impact in recent years than articles in other content areas. We discuss various citation trends that emerged for DREG articles by journal and content, address factors that may have driven these citation trends, and make suggestions for improving the scholarly impact of future career research with DREGs.

Vocational Psychology: Expanding the Vision and Enhancing the Impact

In this contribution, we provide a critical analysis of the current status of vocational psychology and present an expansive vision for the future. We begin with an overview of the importance of vocational psychology in the history of The Counseling Psychologist, followed by a critical review of contemporary theory, research, practice, and training. We aim to expand the traditional purview of career choice and development and broaden the impact of the field to meet the needs of all who work and who want to work. We propose a new mission for vocational psychology characterized by innovative theoretical advancements, renewed interdisciplinary and international collaborations, and the inclusion of macrolevel factors in research, practice, and policy. Lastly, we conclude with a vision of vocational psychology in 20 years, which optimally will be reflected in a broadened scope of mission, integrative theoretical frameworks, and an expanded training and policy agenda.

Turning Around to Look Ahead: Views of Vocational Psychology in 2001 and 2019

Ten scholars in vocational psychology identified strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in a 2001 issue of the Journal of Vocational Behavior. This article reviews the state of the field in 2001 and then identifies to what extent the strengths and concerns have changed in the past two decades. While the field continues to have a strong theoretical and empirical tradition, old concerns about insularity, methods used to examine research questions, gulfs between science and practice, and turf wars remain a serious threat to the field. We outline the nature of these concerns and propose recommendations from the literature to these concerns.

Teacher support for career development: an integrative review and research agenda

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review identified key features of teacher support and its influence on students’ career decision making and development. It also examines the types of research approaches to data collection and analysis in order to provide a more in-depth evaluation of this field of study.

Design/methodology/approach

The review examined 18 studies, the majority being quantitative in design. Cross-sectional and longitudinal effects of teacher support were investigated, and differences in teacher support relative to grade level and gender were considered.

Findings

Results indicated that since 2000, there has been an increase in the number of empirical studies of teacher support in the career development field, the majority involving middle and high school students. The most commonly cited frameworks that underpin the studies are the social cognitive career theory, the career construction theory and Super’s career development theory. The most frequently used instrument for data collection was the teacher support scale (Metheny et al., 2008).

Originality/value

The review will be beneficial to researchers, teachers and policy makers seeking to optimize support systems for students’ career development. The findings contribute to further theory development and have practical implications for the career guidance field. Recommendations for future research and practice are suggested.

Enhancing Self-Help Career Planning Using Theory-Based Tools

From the earliest days of the vocational guidance movement, controversy existed regarding the place of self-report in assessment. Contemporary career theories, cognitive information processing theory (CIP), and Holland’s typological theory (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, Conventional [RIASEC]) provide ideas and tools for informing this issue. CIP theory includes self-help among three levels of career service delivery. Readiness screening including in both theories is the mechanism for determining which individuals can benefit from differentiated services, for example, self-help, brief staff assisted, and individual case managed. This article shows how these theories can be used in career assessment and describes tools and procedures for service delivery. A narrative flowchart illustrates how a practitioner would work with individuals in this enhanced self-help approach.