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Introduction

This entry on theories in vocational psychology begins with a definition of the discipline and a summary of historical background for the development of major theories. An overview is provided of the following vocational psychology theories: Holland’s (1959, 1997) theory of vocational personality types and work environments; the theory of work adjustment (Dawis and Lofquist 1984; Dawis 2005); Super’s (1957, 1990) life-span, life-space theory of career development; L. Gottfredson’s (1981, 2005) theory of circumscription and compromise; Krumboltz’s (1996, 1996) social learning theory of career choice and decision making; and the social cognitive career theory (Lent et al. 1994; 2000). Key issues of each theory are organized by the subheadings of Explanatory Propositions, Assessments and Interventions, and Research Evaluating the Theory. A brief account is offered of international perspectives on comparative and cross-national theory development in vocational psychology....

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Correspondence to Margo A. Jackson Ph.D. .

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Jackson, M.A., Verdino, J.R. (2012). Vocational Psychology. In: Rieber, R.W. (eds) Encyclopedia of the History of Psychological Theories. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0463-8_304

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0463-8_304

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-0425-6

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