The Rise and Fall of Vocational Psychology: A Personal Perspective

Abstract

Vocational psychology was one of the earliest forms of applied psychology. By tracing its development through the 20th century, I have examined how theoretical and technical developments have expanded its knowledge and expertise base while at the same time nurturing the development of associated areas of psychological inquiry and practice. I believe that the literature adequately supports the position that these later fields of practice and research have developed to the point where they have overtaken the specific applied area that first spawned them.