Applying Social Cognitive Career Theory to Criminal Justice Populations

Abstract

We comment on the major contributions on applications of vocational psychology to criminal justice populations. All three articles present exciting directions for vocational psychology research and practice—directions that have exceptional resonance with the field’s commitment to social justice. We are intrigued by the authors’ use of social cognitive career theory (SCCT), along with the risks–need–responsivity model, as a theoretical platform for enhancing the vocational development of offenders. We suggest that this integrative effort may be aided by inclusion of a new SCCT process model of career development. We briefly summarize this process model and consider how it may be applied to interventions designed to promote vocational outcomes and reduce recidivism with criminal justice populations.