Career Assessment: A Social Psychological Perspective

Abstract

The application of social psychological principles to the therapeutic relationship has lead to the development of a theoretical model of social influence which proposes that counseling is a process of interpersonal influence. This article outlines the conceptualization of career assessment from a social influence perspective. An overview of the social influence model is provided with a relevant review of the applicable literature. A brief discussion of the role that assessment must play in the counseling relationship follows. The utilization of the Career Beliefs Inventory (Krumboltz, 1991) as a measure of client attitudes about the career development process is discussed within the context of the attitude change process. The author proposes that career beliefs are the attitude constructs of career choice as an extension of family drama and provides a case study to illustrate this position. Finally, suggestions for future research are offered within the context of current research on assessment within the career counseling relationship and the application of social influence principles to the career assessment and career development process.