Increasing Counselor Confidence in Applying a Theory of Vocational Personalities and Work Environments: An Evaluation

Abstract

This article examines correlates of counselor confidence in their competency in using Holland's (1985a) theory, and evaluates a 1-day workshop to improve counselors' knowledge of the theory and its applications. As expected, the workshop increased counselors' confidence. Both prior experience with applying the theory and familiarity with professional manuals predicted confidence in using the theory to help clients, but many regular SDS users reported not having previously examined a test manual. More knowledge of the effects of exposure to test manuals, workshops, and personal experience on counselor's assessments of their competency in using career intervention tools is now important.