Career Choice and Development

respectively to the four “real-world”-style variables described ear-
lier. Over time, when much of P’s behavior becomes more stable
and more characteristic, we say that P has developed a style. We
can then more easily describe P’s behavior in terms of trait-like style
variables. (The same might be said of E.)
When in the adjustment mode, other style variables may be
used to describe behavior. Adjustment does not automatically take
place when there is discorrespondence. P might tolerate some
degree of discorrespondence (even if manifested as some degree of
dissatisfaction) before attempting to adjust. When adjusting, P
might effect change in either E or P. How long P perseveres in
adjustment behavior before giving up is a final consideration. Thus
PEC theory posits four adjustment style variables:

1.Flexibility,or tolerance for discorrespondence, from low to

high

2.Activeness,or adjusting by effecting change in the other

(active adjustment)

3.Reactiveness,or adjusting by effecting change in self (reactive

adjustment)

4.Perseverance,or duration of adjustment behavior, from short

to long

As with the four general style variables listed earlier, the levels
on these four adjustment style variables may vary in the early going.
With time, they may become more stable, such that they become
characteristic of P. (The same may occur for E.)
Thus PEC theory uses four general style variables to describe
the maintenance behavior and eight style variables to describe the
adjustment behavior of P (or of E). Endurance and perseverance
may appear to be the same variable in the adjustment mode. How-
ever, for some Ps, level of endurance in the maintenance mode may
differ from level of perseverance in the adjustment mode, so it is
worthwhile to keep these variables separate.

440 CAREER CHOICE AND DEVELOPMENT