The Self-Directed Search and Career Self-Efficacy

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study aimed at furthering understanding of the meaning of responses to Holland's Self-Directed Search (SDS). Drawing on current social cognitive theory, this study provides some evidence that SDS Summary scores might be predictive of respondents' future self-efficacy expectations. A significant relationship was found between responses to the SDS and an instrument specifically designed to measure career self-efficacy, the short form of the Task-Specific Occupational Self-efficacy Scale (TSOSS). Evidence for the validity of the SDS in predicting career self-efficacy is provided by the correlational patterns and gender differences shown in the responses to both the SDS and TSOSS. Implications and suggestions for further research are discussed.