Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam (CECE) Practice Exam

Which individual proposed that career choice and satisfaction result from personality characteristics?

1. Donald Super

2. John Holland

3. Joanne Harris-Bowlsbey

4. Edmund Williamson

The correct answer is: John Holland

John Holland is known for his theory regarding the relationship between personality characteristics and career choice and satisfaction. His work led to the development of the RIASEC model, which classifies careers based on six personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. Holland proposed that individuals are more likely to find job satisfaction and success when their work environment aligns with their personality type. This alignment leads to better job performance and overall satisfaction because individuals are naturally drawn to roles that fit their inherent traits. His theory emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in career development, suggesting that understanding one's own personality can greatly enhance the process of making informed career choices. This model has been widely influential in vocational guidance and career counseling practices, providing a framework for matching individuals to suitable career paths based on their personality. The other individuals mentioned have made significant contributions to the field of career counseling and education but in different contexts. For instance, Donald Super focused on the development of self-concept over one's lifetime in relation to career development, while Joanne Harris-Bowlsbey contributed to the understanding of career development through a constructivist lens. Edmund Williamson's approach was more psychotherapeutic, focusing on the decision-making process in career counseling. Thus,