Career change and congruence of personality type: An examination of DOT-derived work environment designations

Holland's theory of congruence of work environments was examined by analyzing the career redirection of 62 men of managerial and professional level who changed occupations between the ages of 33 and 54. Three-letter personality codes for each subject were obtained by administering the Strong-Campbell Interest Inventory. Dictionary of Occupational Titles codes for first and second occupation were obtained and then translated into Holland codes. These were compared to the personality code for each man to determine whether the first or second job was more congruent. It was found that 26 men changed to careers more congruent with their personality, 25 to careers less congruent, and 11 made no change. The results of the study do not lend support to Holland's theory, probably because of the imprecision of DOT categories for research purposes. The need for a more reliable means for coding work environments is discussed.     

Counseling Sexually Abused Children

Cases of sexual abuse of children are being reported in increasing numbers. A large percentage of child sexual abuse occurs in or around the home. Family members, family friends, or known adults are most often the offenders. There are certain family factors likely to be operating in a child's sexual abuse and these factors must be explored with all family members. Sexual abuse can have many disturbing consequences for the child and the family. A counseling approach should be to help an abused child and the offender feel that they are still worthwhile individuals. Underlying issues in the family should also be explored. Paula Slager-Jorné is director of training at the Children's Center in Detroit, Michigan.