Development Models
Holland's Theory of Vocational Types
John Holland posed a theory that behavioral styles and personality types are the major influence in career
development choice. Holland suggested 6 personality types that influence career paths: Realistic,
Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising and Conventional. For example an individual with an
Investigative personality type is more likely to pursue a career in biology, dentistry, physics, medicine
etc…
Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory
Albert Bandura introduced the concept of self-efficacy or a personal belief in one's capacity to complete
tasks and actions necessary to attain a goal. He further suggested that self-efficacy is derived from four
sources: Personal Performance, Vicarious Experience, Verbal Persuasion and Physiological and
Emotional Factors.
Bandura postulated that people with high self-efficacy have high motivational levels and consequently
pursue careers they believe that they can have or develop.
Super's Developmental Self-Concept Theory
Donald Super suggested the individual pass the five distinct stages of career development Growth,
Exploration, Establishment, Maintenance and Decline. Super inferred that vocational choices are an
expression of self-concept and that this understanding develops and progresses over time. People will
seek careers that permit them to express themselves and further develop the self-concept.
Krumboltz's Theory
John Krumboltz looked at unplanned events, unpredictable circumstances, chance events and
environmental factors are beneficial to individuals as is indecision. Krumbultz called his theory Planned
Happenstance. His model is based on Social Learning Theory. Krumboltz further suggested that
managing life transitions, events and unplanned situations is an essential career management skill. He
listed several factors that are helping in career management: the commitment to ongoing learning and
skill development, ongoing self-assessment, assessment and feedback from others, effective networking,
achieving work-life balance, financial planning to incorporate periods of unemployment.
Parsons' Theory
Frank Parsons developed the talent-matching approach to career development. This approach later
developed into the Trait and Factor Theory of Occupational Choice. Parsons suggested that individual's
optimal vocational performance occurs when an individual's find a vocation that matches their skills,
attributes and talents. He proposed seven stages to consider when helping clients negotiate career
options: Personal data, Self-Analysis, Personal Choice and Decision, Counselor's Analysis, Outlook on
The Vocational Field, Induction and Advice, and General Helpfulness.
Theoretical Overlap and Personal Values
Interestingly, when examining career development theories, one might note that elements of human
service theoretical models are present in some of these theories. Social Learning Theory, Developmental
Theory, Integrated Theory, Bio/Psycho/Social Theory, Cognitive-Behavioral Theory, Systems Theory etc.
all have offered some contributions to career development models.
Some of the theoretical models discussed in this lecture are based on societal values and belief systems
concerning human potential and worth. Most of us wouldn't pursue a career in the human service
profession if we didn't believe that the models we use are effective and consistent with our personal
values. When examining theoretical models, human service workers should consider whether or not
these models are compatible with their appraisal of the human spirit.
Theoretical Models
Human Service Theoretical Treatment Models
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (CBT) is contemporary human service model. Cognitive
behavioralists examine a client's thinking patterns and perceptions. They look for faulty thinking and
cognitive distortions. CBT suggests that teaching the client to change his thinking, identify faulty
processes and reframe his/her perceptions can ultimately lead to changes in behavior.
Systems Theory This theory examines the interrelation between groups and the individual's response to
the larger collective. A human service family worker helping troubled teens might adopt systems theory to
treat his/her client. Rather than singling-out the trouble teen as the cause of the families problems the
systems theorist would examine address defects and unhealthy dynamics within the family system.
Brief Solution-Focused Therapy- This short-term approach to client treatment focuses on the client's
strength. The client is considered the authority on his abilities and strengths. The worker works with the
client through problem solving process. There is less emphasis on the relationship between the client and
the therapist and a greater emphasis on goal achievement.
Task Centered Therapy This approach is similar to Brief and Solution Focused therapy, however, with
this approach the client's problems are reduced to a series of measurable tasks and objectives. The
human service worker guides the client through the process.
Bio/Psycho/Social Theory looks at the interrelationship between the client's physical, social and
psychological domains. For example, when evaluating a depressed client, a Bio/Psycho/Social theorist
might first refer to the client physician for blood work, to rule out the possibility that a thyroid condition or
anemia is not causing the depressive symptoms. The worker would also evaluate elements of the clients
social and family life to look for negative influences.
Cultural-Centric Models These models consider cultural implications in service delivery. Special
attention is given to cultural values, beliefs and practices when exploring treatment options for any
number of diverse ethnic or minority groups e.g. LGBT, Latino, African-American, Native American, Asian
American etc...
The aforementioned service models and theories account for some of the contemporary approaches to
service delivery in the human service field. Students and professionals have a responsibility to keep
abreast of current research and new and emerging models, while applying the concepts of best practice
to ensure their efficacy.
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