Final Overview: Lifestyle and Career Counseling Theories

Question 1

Trait-and-factor theory (matching or actuarial approach):

Answer 1

Frank Parsons (father of guidance), was the author of the seminal
work in the fi eld, Choosing a Vocation. A client needs to know his or
her personal attributes and interests or traits; appropriate occupations
should be investigated; fi nally, match the client’s traits to the occupation.

Question 2

Who expanded on the Trait-and-factor theory?

Answer 2

E. G. Williamson expanded this theory to six steps: analysis,
synthesis, diagnosis, prognosis, counseling, and follow-up. The traitand-
factor approach makes the assumption that there is a single best
career goal for everyone. Many experts disagree with this assumption.

Question 3

Ann Roe

Answer 3

Ann Roe created a psychodynamic needs approach. Jobs meet
our needs determined by our childhood satisfactions and frustrations.
Occupations are categorized by six levels and eight fi elds. Our orientation
toward or away from other people can infl uence our career
choices.

Question 4

Ginzberg, Ginsburg, Axelrad, and Herma

Answer 4

Ginzberg, Ginsburg, Axelrad, and Herma proposed a developmental
theory in 1950s with three periods: fantasy (birth to 11)
in which play becomes work oriented; tentative (ages 11 to 17); and
realistic (17 and up).

Question 5

David Tiedeman and Robert O’Hara

Answer 5

David Tiedeman and Robert O’Hara rely on a developmental
approach. In their model, career development is commensurate with
psychosocial development as delineated by Erik Erikson’s stages.

Question 6

Donald Super

Answer 6

Donald Super is well known for emphasizing the role of the

self-concept in career and vocation choice and his Life Rainbow.

Question 7

John Holland

Answer 7

John Holland’s personality typology theory The six personality
types are realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising,
and conventional (RIASEC). He is also known for his assessment
tools: the Self-Directed Search, My Vocational Situation, and the
Vocational Preference Inventory.

Question 8

Krumboltz, Mitchell, and Jones

Answer 8

Krumboltz, Mitchell, and Jones career decision is based on
social learning theory. Four factors impact career choice: genetic factors and special abilities; the environment and special events; learning experiences; and task approach problem solving skills.

Question 9

Linda S. Gottfredson

Answer 9

Linda S. Gottfredson emphasized circumscription (the process of narrowing the acceptable alternatives) and compromise Linda S. Gottfredson emphasized circumscription (the
process of narrowing the acceptable alternatives) and compromise

Question 10

Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT)

Answer 10

Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) by Lent, Brown,
and Hackett helps complement other theories emphasizing the role
of self-effi cacy and cognitive processes.

Question 11

CAREER CHOICE:

Computer Assisted Career Guidance (CAGC) such as SIGI Plus or
Discover. To use CAGC, the counselor should:

Answer 11

1. Screen the client to make certain this modality and computer program is appropriate.
2. Give the client an orientation to describe the pros and cons of
   the system.
3. Follow-up to make certain an appropriate plan of action is evident.