Comparing the Effectiveness of Two Self-Administered Career Exploration Systems

Abstract

This study compared the effects of the Self-Directed Search (SDS; Holland, 1985b) and the Career Decision-Making System—Revised (CDM-R; Harrington & O'Shea, 1992) on the career maturity of first-year college students. Participants (N = 84) completed measures of career decision-making attitudes (Crites, 1978b) and knowledge of career decision-making principles (Super, Thompson, Lindeman, Jordaan, & Myers, 1981) before and after participation in a career exploration treatment. Results revealed a significant effect of the CDM-R upon participants' knowledge of career decision-making principles. No other changes in career maturity, however, were revealed. Implications for career counselors and career development researchers are discussed.