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Abstract

Career theories are developed to help us make sense of the complexity of career choice and development. The intricacy of the subject matter is such that career theories most often focus on one or two aspects of the phenomenon. As such the challenges of integrating the theories with each other, and integrating them within career practice, are not insignificant. In this chapter, I offer an overview of the theoretical landscape which illustrates how the theories align with each other to build up a comprehensive picture of career choice and development. The chapter will introduce a wide range of theoretical frameworks, spanning seven decades and numerous academic disciplines, and will discuss the most well-known theorists alongside less familiar names. The chapter will be structured around four concepts: identity, environment, career learning, and psychological career resources, and suggestions are offered for the incorporation of theories in career practice.

Publication Type:	Book Section
Additional Information:	This is a draft of a chapter that has been published by Oxford University Press in The Oxford Handbook of Career Development edited by Robertson, P., McCash, P. and Hooley, T. published in 2020.
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Psychology

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