Discusses the need for a better diagnostic approach to career indecision. Suggests a model for differential diagnosis and treatment containing three career indecision types or perspectives, i.e., developmental tasks, acute situational reactions, and chronic psychological concerns. Discusses problems of diagnostic measurement. (WAS)

Compares self-instructional learning packages and traditional methods of improving job-search readiness. The use of the learning packages, which included slides, audiotape and a workbook, resulted in greater job-search readiness than use of the traditional method, a manual package using only a workbook. (Author/JAC)

University students (N=32) with anxious vocational indecision were randomly assigned to five training conditions: (1) anxiety management; (2) problem-solving; (3) both of the above; (4) a placebo procedure; and (5) a no-treatment condition. A combination of anxiety-management and problem-solving training was proven more effective than either…

Investigated relationships between career maturity and Holland's (1985a) constructs of congruence, consistency, and differentiation among individuals with (N=76) and without learning disabilities (N=106). Also examined the relationship between Holland's Investigative personality type and career maturity in individuals with and without learning…

Participants (85 women and 30 men) responded to measures pertaining to careers. Findings reveal that a larger proportion of women than men perceived past barriers as associated with family-related issues. Results also reveal a significant negative relationship between perceived occupational barriers and career maturity for some individuals.…

Administered career development instruments to Asian-American (n=63) and White-American (n=83) college students. Compared to White Americans, Asian Americans had greater preferences for dependent decision-making styles and lower level of career maturity and placed greater emphasis on extrinsic and security occupational value clusters. Found no…

Examined the relationship between career aspiration-current occupation congruence and the career maturity of 134 undergraduates (103 women and 31 men) attending a large Midwestern community college. Results revealed a significant relationship (p<.01) between aspiration-occupation congruence and two separate measures of career maturity. (Author)

A program description of a group approach to vocational counseling is outlined and discussed in terms of theoretical background and application. Preliminary data are also presented that suggest that students show change on an index of career maturity as a result of their participation in the program. (Author)

Outlines a study determining which of two career guidance methods was most effective. A didactic and structured guidance approach proved more effective in promoting career maturity than the more flexible method. Results reveal students' need for structure and suggest beneficial effects of using career guidance in the academic curriculum. (JAC)

Analyzed answers of college freshmen who completed the Strong Interest Inventory and who were retested 12 years later. Results show that the presence or absence of well-defined vocational interest patterns among college freshmen bears little relationship to later vocational achievement (a career and annual earning) and to job and career…

Over the past 15 years, post-secondary institutions have experienced a significant increase in the enrollment of students with disabilities. This study examined the career decision-making attitudes of 21 college students with disabilities and the impact of their disability on academic and career choices. Nineteen undergraduates and two graduate…

Compared the personal development of college sophomores who stayed in the dormitory with those who moved off campus. Results indicated that students who stayed in the residence halls were less well-developed in emotional autonomy, independence, educational goals, and vocational awareness. Suggests a need for developmental programming. (JAC)

Examines career maturity and academic achievement among 30 American Indian and 39 non-Indian college students. Finds strong positive correlations between grade point average and career maturity for freshman and sophomore Indians and freshman non-Indians, but not for the total sample or either ethnic group overall. Contains 19 references (SV)

Compared levels of career maturity between college students (n=76) with and without learning disabilities and investigated factors associated with career maturity. Few differences in career maturity were found. However, different predictors of career maturity for the two groups emerged. Students with learning disabilities who received more…

Evaluates the impact of an integrated computer program called GRAD II (Graduate Resume Accumulation and Distribution) which allows a direct communication link between job-seeking students and potential employers. Response was generally favorable although a better mix of employers was needed. (JAC)