Perspectives on Future Directions in Vocational Psychology

Abstract

This review highlights some themes of and issues raised by the 10 articles in this 30-year retrospective of the Journal of Vocational Behavior. Major research directions, described often as opportunities, include research on issues of diversity, especially including race and social class; uses and implications of new technologies for vocational behavior; organizational career development; and longitudinal research, especially on the phenomenon of work adjustment over the life span. Common issues raised as challenges to our field were whether to emphasize the use of newer qualitative methodologies and the degree to which we should expand our disciplinary focus (e.g., to sociology, economics, and education) versus strengthening our ties to and identity with psychology. The crucial importance of continuing to attract new researchers to vocational behavior was a frequently mentioned challenge. The article concludes with a summary of recommendations for the future.