The Effects of the Online Self-Directed Search on the Career Decision State

Authors

  • V.Casey Dozier Florida State University
  • Debra S. Osborn Florida State University
  • Julia Kronholz Comprehensive Psychological Services
  • Gary W. Peterson Florida State University
  • Robert C. Reardon Florida State University

Keywords:

career decision-making, self-directed search, career programming/interventions, undergraduates

Abstract

An exploratory study examined the effects of a counselor-free career intervention, the online Self-Directed Search Form R Fifth Edition (SDS), with 114 undergraduate students at three levels of career decision state or readiness for career decision making.  The effects of this intervention included (a) changes in the career decision state low (d = 1.14), medium, (d = .14), and high (d = .17) over a three-week time period, (b) the extent of engagement in the task of taking the SDS and reviewing the reports, and (c) attitudes regarding aspects of the experience itself.  Results showed a significant, positive impact of the online SDS on non-client students who were in a low career decision state (high career uncertainty, high career dissatisfaction, low career clarity) regarding their career goals and aspirations.  Regardless of the students’ career decision state, the majority of students engaged the opportunity to further explore their interests through the SDS and reacted positively to the experience.

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Published

2019-09-17

How to Cite

Dozier, V., Osborn, D. S. ., Kronholz, J. ., Peterson, G. W., & Reardon, R. C. (2019). The Effects of the Online Self-Directed Search on the Career Decision State. Canadian Journal of Career Development, 18(2), 48–62. Retrieved from https://cjcd-rcdc.ceric.ca/index.php/cjcd/article/view/31

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