The Self-Determined Career Development Model: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a model to enable Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors and others to support VR consumers to self-regulate problem solving to enable them to set career and job goals, and design, implement and evaluate progress toward their goal(s).

Study design: The study occurred in the context of a local VR office with five consumers with disabilities who were receiving VR services. The study utilized a multiple-baseline across subjects design. Participants worked through the support model to set a job or career goal and to design an action plan to reach that goal. Once baseline data were collected, all participants implemented their action plan and data were collected to determine progress toward that goal.

Results: All participants, except one, made progress toward his or her goal and indicated satisfaction with the process.

Conclusions: Findings support the potential of this model to increase VR consumers' capacity to self-direct problem solving and goal setting activities related to getting a job.