Creating and Using a Database on Holland’s Theory and Practical Tools

Abstract

Holland’s RIASEC (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional) career theory is generally recognized as one of the most important and influential in the field of career development and vocational psychology. We examined data that might verify such an observation, and we used bibliographic research tools to identify all of the publications from 1953 to 2011 on this theory. We categorized the number of citations into five areas: (a) application of the theory in practice, (b) research and practice directed to specific populations (e.g., K–12, age, occupation), (c) tools or instruments operationalizing the theory, (d) validity and efficacy of RIASEC theory, and (e) diverse populations studied in terms of ethnicity, disability, and status. We located a total of 1,970 reference citations to Holland’s theory and applications during the 58-year period, and this article describes the methods, findings, and implications of this research.

Holland's Integration of Career Theory, Research, and Practice

“…As noted earlier, Foutch et al (2014) identified almost 2,000 citations regarding the theory and its applications. This imposing body of literature poses a challenge for practitioners, researchers, and reviewers seeking to understand the optimal ways to draw upon this work.…”

“…For example, an article about theory might also include material on applications and diversity. Foutch et al (2014) found that the largest reference category was Applications (1,298; 66%), followed by Specific Populations (745; 38%), and Theory/Typology/ Validity (580; 29%). The Applications category included references that described the way Holland's theory and applications had been used in practice (e.g., for specific groups, with special populations, to develop specific programs, and so on).…”

RIASEC Literature from 1953-2016: Bibliographic References to Holland’s Theory, Research, and Applications (Technical Report No. 58)

“…First we drew upon the earlier work of Foutch, McHugh, Bertoch, and Reardon (2014) and Bertoch (2007, 2008) Psychology at Florida State University. then updated the results through 2016.…”

Relações entre interesses vocacionais e satisfação no trabalho de adultos com situação laboral ativa

“…Em relação aos interesses profissionais, a Teoria de Holland (1975) tem sido considerada a mais utilizada na área para explicar e avaliar o construto (Creager, 2011;Foutch, McHugh, Bertoch, & Reardon, 2014). Nessa perspectiva, os interesses são classificados em seis tipos: Realista, Investigativo, Artístico, Social, Empreendedor e Convencional (RIASEC) (Holland, 1975).…”