1. PSY 714 Instructor: Emily E. Bullock, Ph.D.
Krumboltz’s Theory
PSY 714
Instructor: Emily E. Bullock, Ph.D.

2. Krumboltz’s Theory: Intro
Considered to be a learning theory
Derived from the general learning theory of Bandura
which has roots in reinforcement theory, classical behaviorism, and cognitive information processing
Assumes that people’s personalities and behavioral repertoires can be explained most usefully on the basis of their unique learning experiences while still acknowledging the role played by innate and developmental processes.

3. Krumboltz’s Theory: Intro
Social learning theory’s two major types of learning experiences
Instrumental Learning experiences
Associative Learning experiences
Self Efficacy theory
Efficacy expectations
Outcome expectations

4. Krumboltz’s Theory: Intro
Conceptualized as One theory with Two parts
Part 1: Krumboltz’s social learning theory of career decision making
Explains the origins of career choice
Part 2: Krumboltz’s learning theory of career counseling
Explains what career counselors can do about many career related problems

5. Krumboltz’s Social Learning Theory of Career Decision Making (SLTCDM)
Designed to address the WHY behind decisions to enter, change, or express interest in educational programs or occupations
Four factors that influence the career decision making path
Genetic endowment and special abilities
Environmental conditions and events
Learning Experiences
Task Approach skills

6. Krumboltz’s (SLTCDM)
As a result of the interaction of the four skills people develop
1) self-observation generalizations
2) world-view generalizations
As a result of learning experiences and the generalizations and skills that develop from them, individuals engage in various behaviors that lead to entry into a career

7. Krumboltz’s Learning Theory of Career Counseling
Designed to help career counselors know what to do to help
Four Fundamental trends
People need to expand their capabilities and interest, not base decisions on existing characteristics only
People need to prepare for changing work tasks, not assume that occupations will remain stable
People need to be empowered to take action, not merely to be given a diagnosis
Career counselors need to play a major role in dealing with all career problems, not just occupational selection

8. Krumboltz’s Learning Theory of Career Counseling
Overall Goal of the Theory: “to facilitate the learning of skills, interests, beliefs, values, work habits and personal qualities that enable each client to create a satisfying life within a constantly changing work environment”
View of Assessment
Krumboltz’s Career Beliefs Inventory

9. Krumboltz’s Learning Theory of Career Counseling
Intervention Components of the Theory
Developmental and preventive
Targeted and remedial

10. Krumboltz’s Learning Theory of Career Counseling
Planned Happenstance and flexibility
Indecision vs. Open-mindedness
The restrictiveness of congruence
Evaluating effectiveness
Has the client engaged in new learning activities?
Has the client made efforts to create a more satisfying life?
Evaluating Krumboltz’s Theory
How does it compare to other theories?