Chapter 9: Adolescent Vocational Choice: An Adlerian Perspective

Adolescent vocational choice is a complex process that involves knowledge of the self, knowledge of various professions, and knowledge of others. This chapter explores the dynamic interplay that occurs between an adolescent’s unique social experiences and his or her consequent evaluation of these experiences as a means for understanding career selections. The Adlerian constructs of lifestyle, basic mistakes, and social interest are examined as variables that impact both the adolescent’s present and future career decisions. Because of the Adlerian focus on understanding oneself in relation to one’s interpersonal experiences and perceptions, it provides a positive outlook for adolescent career selection and a means for one’s transforming basic mistakes through future, constructive social experiences.