As a reaction to the article by D. M. Tokar et al. (this issue), discusses the most pressing methodological and theoretical challenges embedded in the study of family relationship factors in the career decision making of college students. Reviews outstanding theoretical and empirical issues characteristic of structural equation modeling, with a…

In his comments regarding Tokar et al.'s article (this issue) Blustein offered several useful suggestions for future research in the area of relationship variables and career development and raised several concerns about the rationale for and use of structural equation modeling in testing their models. In this reply, the authors note points of…

Explored validity and reliability of Adult Career Concerns Inventory (ACCI) using data from 104 graduate nursing students. Findings support construct validity and reliability of ACCI. Concluded that, although the ACCI seemed to be psychometrically sound, the use of other measures in conjunction with it would be recommended practice in assessing…

Evaluated intercultural validity of Holland's concepts of consistency and congruence by testing personality types and career readiness among Pakistani college students (N=376) using Self-Directed Search (SDS) and Career Readiness Questionnaire. Found no relationship between consistency in SDS codes and career readiness; some support for…

Measured career attitude maturity of football and basketball scholarship athletes (N=122) and nonathlete male college students (N=80) using the Career Maturity Inventory. Found that athletes were significantly lower in career attitude maturity than nonathletes, with 48% expecting to play professional sports, compared to an anticipated 2%. Found no…

Examined effects of a life-career development course on university students (N=74). The treatment was based on a comprehensive counseling model of change agent career decision making. The participants became significantly more rational, more certain of their major and career choices, and more crystallized in their vocational self-concept. (JAC)

Examined the relationship between student (N=153) characteristics and career service requests, utilization, and evaluations. Results suggested that clients' problem-solving appraisal affects their satisfaction and continued use of career services, and vocational identity affects aid-seeking style at a career center. (WAS)

Presents a model for conducting research on the career development of special populations. Reviews available research paradigms and offers an alternative framework designed to make maximum use of available data sources while minimizing potential theoretical bias. Presents an illustration of research conducted within the recommended framework.…

Examined the relationship between decision-making style, scholastic achievement, and vocational maturity for college students (N=64). Results did not support the hypothesized relationship between rationality and attitudinal and cognitive maturity. Scholastic achievement and lack of dependent decision style were found to be moderately predictive of…

Four areas of the career exploration stage, i.e., self-awareness, increase in job knowledge, selection of career choice, and plans for the future, were examined through a self-administered questionnaire. Findings indicated a need for active exploration of employment practices and career decisions. (Author)

A study comparing cooperative and noncooperative education students across time on several variables related to career maturity, career choice, and major certainty showed that co-op students rate higher in career maturity, career planning and problem-solving abilities. (JOW)

Reviews research on the characteristics of young adults with learning disabilities, discusses factors that are associated with the career maturity of young adults with learning disabilities, and offers suggestions to employment counselors that would be useful when working with this population. Contains 59 references. (JBJ)

Compared career maturity levels of students with (n=44) and without (n=31) disabilities. Results indicate that many disabled students are not fully aware of the impact that their disabilities have on career development. Students with physical disabilities were better able than those with learning disabilities to describe the impact on career…

There are three basic types of career indecision: (1) developmental; (2) acute situational-reaction; and (3) chronic indecision. Developmental indecision is usually alleviated by maturity as well as by self-awareness activities and career information. Acute situational-reaction indecision is relieved by the removal of situational or environmental…

Examined the causal relationship between sex-role attitudes, cognitive complexity, and career choice in 174 college women. Results showed a complex relationship which changes as a function of age and progress through college. Counselors must be aware of the interactions between cognitive and attitudinal factors. (JAC)