Human Work Behavior from the Perspective of Developmental Psychology

• Main Author: Vondracek, Fred W
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: 05.04.1985
• Subjects: Adult Development; Attitude Change; Behavior Change; Behavior Patterns; Career Counseling; Career Development; Counseling Techniques; Data Analysis; Developmental Psychology; Longitudinal Studies; Measurement Techniques; Needs Assessment; Psychological Studies; Research Methodology; Research Needs; Vocational Adjustment

A review of the major literature examining human work behavior from the perspective of developmental psychology indicates that, although many issues pertaining to the meaning of the concepts of change and development are still unresolved, a great potential exists for cross-fertilization between developmental and vocational psychology. Vocational development has not been a subject in the mainstream of developmental psychology; however, several noted psychologists, including Piaget, Havighurst, Waterman, and Erikson, have dealt with the antecedents of various vocational identity outcomes and thus have had something to say about vocational development. Developmental psychology can make several unique contributions to the understanding of work-related behavior in general and of the psychology of career development in particular. In the past 20 years, several methodological advances have been made that have direct implications for research efforts in vocational development. These advances, which may be grouped into the categories of longitudinal design, measurement of change, and longitudinal data analysis, can serve as tools to advance vocational and counseling psychologists' understanding of work behavior and vocational or career development and can thus help them counsel their adult clients more effectively. (MN)