Action Theory: An Integrative Paradigm for Research and Evaluation in Career

Young, Richard A.; Valach, Ladislav

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-25153-6_37

Cited by 4 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 35 publications

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“…The practice of counseling psychology is fundamentally a moral and sociocultural action (DeBlaere et al, 2019; Vasquez & Bingham, 2012), evidenced, for example, by the substantial emphasis on social justice in counseling psychology. Thus, the generation of new knowledge in this field should have capacity for producing technical or procedural information and qualia , that is, knowledge that is more experiential and subjective (Young & Valach, 2019). Specifically, counseling psychology research must be able to accommodate intentionality, meaning, and worth as well as speak to ongoing processes and the sociocultural context (Gold, 2016; Savickas et al, 2009; Young, Domene, & Valach, 2015).…”

Section: Rationale For the Action-project Methods In Counseling Psych...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring human action in counseling psychology: The action-project research method.

Young¹,

Domene²,

Valach³

et al. 2021

Journal of Counseling Psychology

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Qualitative research in counseling psychology in the last 2 decades has been characterized by the introduction and use of a range of methods and corresponding paradigms and conceptual frameworks. The action-project research method, described and updated in this article, is based on an understanding of human action as goal-directed and enacted in context: contextual action theory. We summarize this framework, prior to describing the method's procedures for conceptualizing research problems and questions, collecting and analyzing data from dyads of participants, and presenting research findings. We also discuss recent adaptations to the procedures and how the method addresses core issues in counseling psychology; that is, methodological integrity, culture, ethics, and power. We proceed to describe how the method relates to other qualitative methods and the kinds of research questions asked by the discipline and how the action-project method connects to professional practice issues. Public Significance StatementIn this article, we present an update of the action-project method for conducting qualitative research in counseling psychology and beyond. In addition to describing its procedures in a way that can be taken up by researchers and graduate students, we highlight recent adaptations of the method that were implemented in response to the changing landscape of research, and we discuss how the method addresses important issues in counseling psychology, including culture, power, and professional practice.

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Section: Rationale For the Action-project Methods In Counseling Psych...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring human action in counseling psychology: The action-project research method.

Young¹,

Domene²,

Valach³

et al. 2021

Journal of Counseling Psychology

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…It allows career practitioners to unpack their unexamined or implicit assumptions by looking at career and career practice differently. Elsewhere we have described the systems, perspectives, and organization of action that speak to how meaning is constructed over mid-term lengths of time through projects consisting of several actions, and how career reflects several projects over a longer-term time period (Young & Valach, 2019). The perspective on action used in CAT refers to the observable behavior of the action, the cognitive processes (thoughts and feelings) experienced while carrying out the action, and the social meaning of the action, that is, how it is understood by the actor and others.…”

Section: The Response Of Contextual Action Theorymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…CAT has allowed us to propose a framework for meaningful action, motivated projects, and life-enhancing career (Young & Valach, 2019). This framework provides an important link to the active lives Arendt (1958) proposes.…”

Section: A Framework Describing Actions Between Peoplementioning

confidence: 99%

“…The purpose of this article is to describe how contextual action theory (CAT) (Young, 2019; Young et al, 2015a; Young & Valach, 2000, 2019) can serve to address the challenges that Guichard (2022) identified and contribute to the new conceptual field he envisioned. Briefly, CAT is an integrated framework for understanding human action as goal-directed, although not necessarily rational.…”

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confidence: 99%

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Action and the active life: The contribution of contextual action theory to current career development challenges

Young

Mundy

2023

Australian Journal of Career Development

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The field of career development faces challenges in light of the significant ecological, economic, and political changes occurring globally. In response to these challenges, Guichard (2022) identified the need for new conceptual frameworks and interventions in the career field consistent with Arendt's (1958) broad perspective of action and the active life rather than simply making smooth transitions to occupations. In this article, contextual action theory is proposed as one alternative approach that addresses some of these issues regarding reconceptualizing career theory and practice. Specifically contextual action theory focuses on goal-directed action, provides a theoretical connection between action and career, incorporates social context, and provides a new framework for interventions. Specific approaches to career interventions and counseling are provided.

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“…Work is more than the means to provide income for one's subsistence; it also serves as a major source of personal identity, self-evaluation, and social connectedness (Bandura, 2006). A growing acknowledgment that career and life are inseparable constructs is extending the scope of career counseling beyond merely addressing clients' work to also promoting their self-development, enhancing their agency, and supporting them in navigating through and making sense of the uncertainties of life (Amundson, 2005;Arthur & Collins, 2011;Blustein, 2015;Chen, 2001Chen, , 2015Maree, 2010;Patton & McMahon, 2006;Savickas, 2012;Young & Valach, 2008).…”

Section: Work In the 21st Centurymentioning

confidence: 99%

The Career Human Agency Theory

Chen

Hong

2020

Jour of Counseling & Develop

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The authors propose a constructivist theory of career human agency to integrate and update the existing career theoretical models to better address the current postmodern zeitgeist. The career human agency theory (CHAT) represents a metatheory of career psychology guided by the principles of Bandura’s human agency framework and informs career development practice and counseling interventions. CHAT promotes the enactment of personal, proxy, and collective agency in the face of uncertainty and adversity. This article describes 4 pillar principles of career agency and provides concrete examples for career counseling application.

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Action Theory: An Integrative Paradigm for Research and Evaluation in Career

Cited by 4 publications

References 35 publications

Exploring human action in counseling psychology: The action-project research method.

Exploring human action in counseling psychology: The action-project research method.

Action and the active life: The contribution of contextual action theory to current career development challenges

The Career Human Agency Theory

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