ment through a preventative-developmental lens. Interests—their
strength, pattern, and underlying structure—probably all do clarify
with time, as developmental theorists have alleged (see Savickas,
1999). Thus we need to find ways to channel K’s energy into posi-
tive and constructive behaviors that will lead to a successful career
outcome.
K’s assets include a certain degree of physical courage and will-
ingness to undertake unusual activities. His math self-efficacy is a
potentially important asset as well. Exploratory experiences in K’s
case should consist of written materials but also of on-site explo-
rations with individuals employed in compatible occupations.
Strategies should probably include group work or classes, given his
valuation of “belonging,” and attention should be paid to whether
this “belonging” may also indicate a collective cultural orientation.
Working as part of a creative team may allow K to combine both his
artistic interests and his need for belonging. Counseling and ex-
ploratory activities and strategies should include as many creative
interactions as possible to hold K’s interest; computer-driven assess-
ments and explorations may be very appropriate for K. Perhaps the
most difficult issue that K faces is the decision about further educa-
tion. Here again, systematic exploration would be crucial. Resolu-
tion of family pressures and influences would also be helpful.
The Case of E
E’s Holland code, although still undifferentiated, is at least consis-
tent and more frequently occurring (20 percent of the college sam-
ple). Although her SDS summary code is SEC, her daydreams
reflect more E and A than does her Holland code. An interesting
note: the occupational code for Lawyer in the Holland dictionary
is ESA; on the SII, the code for Lawyer-female is ASE. This incon-
sistency illustrates the danger in using only one interest inventory.
Additional supporting information about lifestyle considera-
tions, culture, and gender issues may help to clarify any inconsis-
tency between the careers of her father and her mother, as they
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