Summary of Key Elements in Using Theory and Research to Improve Evidence-Based Practice

Abstract

This section covered a broad range of concerns related to the integration of theory, research, and practice, including implications for collaboration and policy. Theory-driven work is paramount in vocational psychology and should guide research and practice initiatives. This set of chapters features several ongoing challenges and opportunities that can facilitate the translation of scholarship to inform the development of evidence-based interventions that matter to practice settings and policy decisions. First, Nadya Fouad (2017) examines the overall role of theory and how it can guide efforts to minimize the gap between science and practice. Next, chapters by Steve Brown (2017), Susan Whiston (2017), and Betsy Becker (2017) offer various perspectives on the state of the art in conducting meta-analyses on the outcomes of career development interventions. Finally, Scott Solberg (2017) offers a personal reflection on efforts to link vocational psychology scholarship to specific policy initiatives that require interdisciplinary collaborations. This chapter summarizes important highlights and themes from these chapters, and concludes with five strategies for purposefully connecting theory and research to strengthen evidence-based practice.Fouad (2017) highlights personal reflections on her experiences bridging gaps between theory, research, and practice. As an important reminder to students, even distinguished leaders in our field once struggled to know how to apply theories to working with actual clients. Fortunately, theories can work as guiding maps to assist counselors in conceptualizing clients' concerns. Swanson and Fouad's (2015) career text focuses on applying career theories to case studies beyond presenting theories as separate from application with clients. Additionally, Fouad (2017) noted that ongoing attempts to bring together researchers and practitioners can be difficult and requires collaborations involving teams of experts from practice and science settings. Drawing on her experiences editing leading applied psychology journals, Fouad shared examples of creative attempts to bridge the science-practice gap. For example, she initiated the Practitioner Forum during her time as the editor of The Counseling Psychologist. Again, hearing a frank discussion that normalizes the challenges our leading scholars face can help future professionals have the courage to build on these efforts by modifying approaches to transferring knowledge between science and practice, guided by theory.A crucial line of research on career-related outcomes has been the series of initial meta-analyses that demonstrated the effectiveness of career interventions (Oliver & Spokane, 1988;Spokane & Oliver, 1983). Brown (2017) elaborated on three recent meta-analyses that have built upon Oliver and Spokane's fundamental work, including Whiston, Sexton, and Lasoff's (1998) study that found individual counseling was more effective than group modalities. Brown and Ryan Krane (2000) identified common critical ingredients

Protean and boundaryless career orientations: A critical review and meta-analysis.

“…In our integrative framework, we classify PBCO as characteristic adaptations; they are a particular strategy individuals adopt to respond to experiences of reduced job security and career support in contemporary organizations (cf. Motowidlo, Borman, & Schmit, 1997; Rottinghaus & Miller, 2013). Distinguishing PBCO from personality traits can help inform when each perspective might be more fruitful for understanding and enhancing career outcomes.…”