Effects of career interventions on vocational construct differentiation and integration were tested with 121 undergraduates in 4 groups: Vocational Card Sort (n=31), Self-Directed Search (n=28), System of Interactive Guidance and Information Plus (n=31), and controls (n=31). All three interventions had a substantial impact on vocational cognitive…

College freshmen were divided into three groups: (1) 28 completed the Self-Directed Search and attended a 50-minute career exploration workshop based on it; (2) 28 completed the Career Decision-Making System-Revised (CDM-R) and attended a similar workshop; and (3) 28 were controls. CDM-R significantly increased knowledge of decision-making…

The validity of some theoretically derived vocational diagnostic signs was examined to learn if a person's self-knowledge, occupational knowledge, and decision-making ability were predictable. The positive results imply some practical applications and the need for further theoretical investigation. (Author)

Tested whether scores on the Self Directed Search relate to career development needs in a study of 138 college students. Findings showed the scores related differentially in ways predicted by Holland (1973) and supported probing whether college students earning low investigative scores were behind in their career development. (JAC)

Data from 112 of 126 twelfth-grade vocational students who completed Career Decision Scale, My Vocational Situation, and Self-Directed Search showed that chronically career undecided students had lower levels of congruence and vocational identity. Such students may need a more psychotherapeutic approach to career counseling. (SK)

Career status measures, goals for participating in career intervention, and ego strength were related to six outcomes of the administration of the Self-Directed Search. Most change occurred for females high on vocational identity; most satisfaction with the SDS and job choice was attained by those low in indecision. (Author)

Computed four derivatives of the Self-Directed Search (SDS) and correlated them with other indices of career maturity for 138 community college students. Accuracy in estimating one's SDS profile correlated significantly with five other maturity indices, but the other derivatives tended not to relate to other career maturity criteria. (JAC)

High school males (N=66) and 60 high school females were tested for anxiety and vocational maturity levels. The experimental subjects were given the Self Directed Search (SDS). Statistical analysis indicated that the SDS was an effective instrument in reducing career indecision. (Author)

This study compares effects on high school students (N=959) of the Self Directed Search (SDS), the Vocational Preference Inventory (VPI), and no treatment. Students taking the SDS or the VPI evaluated the instruments, felt more satisfied with current occupational choices, and considered more occupational alternatives. Differences between the…