Career Development Theories: What Help for Older Persons?

Abstract

Career development theory, although most highly developed for persons in the first two or three decades of life, can help counselors plan ways to work with older persons. The career development theories of Super, Tiedeman, Holland, Blau and other sociologists, Ginzberg, and Krumboltz, as well as the developmental theories of Levinson, Gould, and Neugarten are briefly reviwed to support this assertion. Although applications should be made with caution, concepts from these theories seem to have potential for enhancing the effectiveness of counseling of older persons. There seems, however, to be an increase in research and theory-building on the career development of this age group: more helpful guidelines can be expected in the future.The 1970s have witnessed an emerging concern for the career development of older persons-those 50-55 and older. Before this, there had been little research or theorizing about the needs of this group. There seemed to be an assumption that after the 30s. occupational life proceeded rather smoothly, with perhaps only a slight discontinuity at retirement. Then in the halcyon years after work, there would be time for travel, grandparenting, or shuffleboard in Florida. (The midlife period has also come under scrutiny, actually more than the later years, but this period is below the age range considered here.) True, some theorists gave brief attention to the older age group, but most ignored it. The convergence of many factors, however, primarily the increasing average age of the population, with the resulting economic, legislative, and social concerns and repercussions, has made it essential for counselors to take a closer look at the unique career development needs and problems of the 50-and-older age group.Signs of this growing concern abound. Research and demonstration projects have been started, encouraged by the availability of funds. Legislation has pushed back the compulsory retirement age, or eliminated it in some sectors, and barred age discrimination in work. Professional associations have taken positions that view career development as a life-long process and emphasize the needs of the adult years ( Hansen, 1978), (National Vocational Guidance Association, 1973) . Programs, such as that described by Radding in this special issue, also illustrate a recognition of this new attitude.

Career Decision Making Based On Gelatt's Theory Among Secondary School Students In The Hashemite Kingdom Of Jordan

“…It underscores the counselor's role in fostering the development of decision making skills regarding deciding on a future career as part of career growth and guidance. This entails considering the influence of prior experiences and the intricate interplay between current choices and future trajectories (Tolbert, 1980) . One of the primary responsibilities shouldered by vocational counselors is to guide students in the process of making career decisions.…”

Guidelines for the development and evaluation of career services for the older adult

“…However, heeding this guideline is challenging because, as Hall (1976) and Tolbert (1980) observe, career development theories have focused almost exclusively on the behaviors young adults engage in as they prepare for, and advance within, a work role. However, heeding this guideline is challenging because, as Hall (1976) and Tolbert (1980) observe, career development theories have focused almost exclusively on the behaviors young adults engage in as they prepare for, and advance within, a work role.…”

“…When career counselors of older adults are testing whether published theories and interventions work, a helpful starting point is Tolbert's (1980) speculation about the relevance of career and adult development theories for this age group. Two perspectives not considered in the Tolbert article are highlighted below.…”

Development and initial psychometrics of the Career Problem Checklist

“…However, making a career decision is not a simple task for college students. College students' career decision is considered to be one of the most important decisions in their lives because individuals can be influenced in all aspects of life, including economic and social status, values, and opportunities for the expression of abilities, based on the profession and career path they choose (Hwang & Lim, 2015;Tolbert, 1980). Nevertheless, various factors, such as consecutive periods of economic stagnation, rapid changes in the job market, and substantial transformations in business landscapes, contribute to career-related stress among college students, thereby rendering the decision-making process more challenging (Noh & Jyung, 2016).…”