What all applied psychologists should know about work.

Abstract

Because of the increasing complexity of work in people's lives and the rapid ways in which work is changing, it is likely that all applied psychologists will need greater content knowledge about work to assist clients with issues related to work choice, entry, and adjustment. This article identifies 5 knowledge domains about work that include important information for applied psychologists. These domains are as follows: (a) economics and politics, (b) work structures, (c) globalization, (d) social factors, and (e) technology. These 5 domains are outlined, as are anticipated future trends in work. The implications of these issues for applied psychologists are discussed.

College Student Psychological Distress: Relationship to Self‐Esteem and Career Decision Self‐Efficacy Beliefs

“…Given that levels of psychological distress and utilization of counseling services are on the rise among college students (e.g., Kitzrow, 2003), it is important for career counselors to consider the implications of these trends in their work. Relatively limited attention has been given to the role that career services can play in addressing college students’ increased rates of mental health symptomatology in relationship to educational and career development (e.g., DeBell, 2006; Swanson, 2012). Career counselors are encouraged to seek training (as needed) to better understand how to screen for mental health symptomatology that may negatively affect students’ ability to engage in career development.…”

The Strengths-Based Inclusive Theory of Work

“…Similarly, various regions around the world operate under different economic systems, which in turn, influence the job market. For example, agrarian, industrial, and postindustrial societies each have different family structures, formal and informal economies, work context values, and assumptions about working (DeBell, 2006).…”

Counseling for Work and Relationship

“…Although the holistic emphasis on helping people with their lives rather than a more restricted focus on careers is an important, emerging theme in vocational psychology (Fouad, 2007; Hansen, 2001; Irving, 2010; McIlveen, 2009; McMahon & Patton, 2006; Patton & McMahon, 1999; Savickas, 2009; Savickas et al, 2009), the holism of the counseling for work and relationship perspective is especially indebted to the social theory of Giddens (1991) that addresses the impact of radical social change on self and identity. Radical changes that have occurred in the occupational structure worldwide, shattering assumptions of stability and continuity for many in their experience of market work (Collin & Young, 2000; DeBell, 2006; Fouad, 2007), extend across all domains of life (Adams, Beck, & Van Loon, 2000; Beck, 1992; Dunant & Porter, 1996; Stokols, Misra, Runnerstrom, & Hipp, 2009; Wilkenson, 2001). Increasing numbers of people are disembedded from traditional cultures that provide established and scripted patterns of behavior regarding how to live one’s life (Beck & Beck-Gernsheim, 2002; Dannefer, 1999, 2003; Giddens, 1991).…”