Vocational Psychology: Expanding the Vision and Enhancing the Impact

Abstract

In this contribution, we provide a critical analysis of the current status of vocational psychology and present an expansive vision for the future. We begin with an overview of the importance of vocational psychology in the history of The Counseling Psychologist, followed by a critical review of contemporary theory, research, practice, and training. We aim to expand the traditional purview of career choice and development and broaden the impact of the field to meet the needs of all who work and who want to work. We propose a new mission for vocational psychology characterized by innovative theoretical advancements, renewed interdisciplinary and international collaborations, and the inclusion of macrolevel factors in research, practice, and policy. Lastly, we conclude with a vision of vocational psychology in 20 years, which optimally will be reflected in a broadened scope of mission, integrative theoretical frameworks, and an expanded training and policy agenda.

Becoming a mother and mattering in early 21st century Australia: An exploration of women's perinatal transitions and equity in wellbeing

“…For members of this profession to take a more active role in advocacy, vocational psychologists' critical consciousness regarding the sociocultural constraints influencing mothers' perinatal transitions and equity in wellbeing may need to be enhanced as well as practitioners' skills and motivation to potentially step outside their comfort zones. These recommendations align with those made by scholars suggesting that vocational psychologists consider broadening their scope of practice by seeking to effect change at systemic levels to address inequity (Bimrose, 2012;Blustein, Ali, et al, 2019;Blustein, Kenny, et al, 2019;Jung & Heppner, 2015;Jung & O'Brien, 2019;Kozan & Blustein, 2018;Schultheiss, 2009).…”

“…Contemporary vocational psychology perspectives share various characteristics in common, such as a focus on work in all its forms, which is largely motivated by social justice values (Blustein, Kenny, et al, 2019;Richardson & Schaeffer, 2013), constructivism, holism and contextualism (Blustein, Ali, & Flores, 2019;M. McMahon & Patton, 2018).…”

“…The relational theory of working (as well as the PWF/PWT) recognises that while many people experience limited volition in the work that they do, there is a role for the vocational psychology profession to support individuals to derive meaning, mattering and dignity in their work to enhance wellbeing (Blustein, 2011;Blustein, Ali, et al, 2019;Duffy et al, 2016). Therefore, while recognising constraints to agency due to individuals' varying access to opportunity structures, fostering critical consciousness in individuals has been identified as an important step towards facilitating empowerment (Blustein, 2011(Blustein, , 2013.…”

“…The Systems Theory Framework (STF) of career development presents a comprehensive framework based on systems theory ( experiences may also help to develop individuals' critical consciousness, such that they redefine their horizon for action and work with others to identify and reduce discriminatory policies and practices (Blustein, Ali, et al, 2019;Richardson, 2012a;Robertson, 2014).…”

Person- and System-Focused Prevention in Preparing Youth to Navigate an Uncertain Work Future

“…In general, preventive interventions require attention to systemic factors, in ways that are not essential for individual therapeutic interventions (Kenny & Medvide, 2012). A growing number of vocational scholars are also recognizing the need for systemic intervention (Blustein, Ali, & Flores, 2019;Hooley et al, 2017;McGillen et al, 2020) to effectively eradicate social injustice. Strategies to address systemic factors can entail social justice education, community outreach, social justice advocacy, community organization, and social action focused on microsystem change at the school, university, community, or workplace level or toward macro-level systemic change focused on public policies or governmental systems.…”