The Impact of the Self-Directed Search Form R Internet Version on Counselor-Free Career Exploration

Abstract

College students ( N = 125) volunteered to participate in a study of career exploratory behavior. Participants were randomly assigned to complete the Self-Directed Search Form R (SDS: R) Internet version or to a control group that did not complete the SDS. Results indicated that individuals who completed the SDS: R Internet and reviewed the Interpretive Report engaged in a greater frequency of exploratory career behaviors over 3 weeks and were considering more occupational alternatives than members of the control group. The amount to time spent reviewing the SDS Interpretive Report by members of the treatment group was also associated with greater frequency of career exploratory behavior and with the increased number of occupations being considered. Furthermore, vocational identity was found to mediate the relationship between minutes reviewing the SDS report and the number of occupations considered, but not the frequency of occupations explored. Anxiety as a potential second mediating variable was not associated with either. Implications for practice are discussed.