Armstrong and Vogel (2009) proposed that the differences between self-efficacy and interests are a matter of measurement artifact rather than substance. In tests of this hypothesis, they conceived of self-efficacy and interest as observed indicators of larger RIASEC (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional) types…

I summarize a theoretical model of the social, cultural, and psychological influences on achievement-related choices and outline how this model can help us understand gendered educational and occupational choices. I argue that both gender differences and individual differences within each gender in educational and occupational choices are linked…

The current article replies to comments made by Lent, Sheu, and Brown (2010) and Lubinski (2010) regarding the study "Interpreting the Interest-Efficacy Association From a RIASEC Perspective" (Armstrong & Vogel, 2009). The comments made by Lent et al. and Lubinski highlight a number of important theoretical and methodological issues, including the…

Invited commentary on Armstrong and Vogel's (2009) article on interpreting the interest-efficacy association stimulated an appraisal from a broader perspective. Like empirical research, scale development, and theorizing emanating from social cognitive career theory (SCCT), their conclusion about the importance of assessing both interests and…

Four sources of self-efficacy than can be useful in career counseling are enactive attainments, vicarious experiences, verbal persuasion, and physiological arousal. Self-efficacy interventions may benefit women, minorities, and disadvantaged individuals. The Career Search Self-Efficacy Scale is a useful instrument for such interventions. (SK)

The Career Decision Making Self Efficacy Scale is based on self-efficacy and career maturity theories and research showing the strong relationship of career self-efficacy to career indecision. The scale is useful in designing and evaluating education and counseling interventions intended to increase perceptions of self-efficacy. (SK)

Describes the development and revision of the Career Barriers Inventory. Explains how the construct of perceived barriers relates to the social cognition model of career development, which states that self-efficacy and expectations play a central role in career choice. (SK)

Presents a social cognitive framework based on Bandura's theory for understanding three aspects of career development: development of career interests, academic and career choices, and performance and persistence. Focus is on how self-efficacy, expected outcome, and goal interrelate with gender, context, and experiential factors. (SK)

This article focuses on the construct of outcome expectations. It is argued that the construct has received relatively little attention in the vocational literature. The authors define outcome expectations, trace the precursors to the construct, provide a critique of the operationalization of the construct, and propose recommendations for future…

Anchored in Bandura's social cognition theory, this framework focuses on the interplay among self-efficacy, expectations, and goals in enabling individuals to act on their career development. The interaction of sociocognitive variables with personal/environmental characteristics and school-to-work transition is described. (SK)

Counseling practices to improve self-efficacy expectations for career decision making include helping clients change beliefs by experiencing success and exposing them to successful models. Attention to personal-emotional barriers may be more effective than information-oriented approaches. (SK)

Summarizes a set of social and psychological factors thought to be responsible for the occupational and educational choices of women and men. Key features of a theoretical model are reviewed, and the implications of this model for understanding the link between gender roles and gendered educational and occupational decisions are discussed. (GR)

Critiques the Kahn and Gelso (1997) and Kahn and Scott (1997) articles (both in this issue) based on the author's experience as an advisor to graduate students in counseling psychology. Discusses factors that influence the career choices of counseling psychology doctoral students. Presents alternative criteria for evaluating research productivity…