Social Cognitive Career Theory, a unified theory developed in 1994 by Robert Lent, Steven Brown and Gail Hackett based on Albert Bandura’s influential social cognitive theory, explains that our self-efficacy for pursuing career choices is based on certain factors: (1) presence of relevant skills and recognized accomplishments, (2) social reinforcement including recognition and social persuasion, and (3) physiological and emotional states that support outcome expectations and personal goals.
The importance of social-emotional learning is underscored by Nevitt Sanford’s earlier research, which established that young adults form unique personal identity based on their personality traits and cultural background as they grow, and individuals who are concurrently better integrated gain more from available social support. Nancy Schlossberg’s research further established that attention and attachment of importance to the young adult’s existence, achievements and work mattered much for success, whereas marginalization had converse effects.
Additionally, Urie Bronfenbrenner’s research established that personal traits of curiosity, responsiveness, prioritization and self-direction were significant, besides obvious features of institutional processes and social and cultural context. Moreover, John Holland’s person-environment theory codified six profile types for career seekers: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional.
Based on the above and continuing research on education, we believe that young talents are best developed when they grow strong habit for appreciative and interdisciplinary inquiry that leverages on their natural curiosity.
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