Career Counseling Theory Case Study
For this assignment, you will demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of career counseling theory (Person-in-Environt Tmenheory) by choosing any one theory (Person-in-Environment Theory) and applying it to the case study provided below. Approach the case study from the perspective of your individual specialization ( marriage and family counseling). You can embellish the case scenario as needed to help you complete the assignment.
SCENARIO
Taneka, a 17-year-old African-American female, is a high school junior. She is the eldest of three siblings living with her single-parent mother. Her mother has worked for the past 15 years at a manufacturing plant. Her father has not been a part of Taneka’s life.
As the eldest, Taneka has held major responsibilities throughout her life to support her working mother, such as caring for her younger siblings—Derrick, age 14, and Kenya, age 12. These early duties reinforced the development of her natural leadership skills. Taneka has been recognized from an early age for being mature, responsible, and dependable. As her siblings have grown, she has been able to have part-time jobs, most recently as a salesperson at a teen fashion store in the local mall. It was here that she first realized she had a knack for dealing with people, and they responded well to her—employers, co-workers, and customers alike. She was recently approached by her supervisor to consider participating in the company’s employee-leadership training program.
This has caused Taneka to start thinking about post-secondary educational possibilities. Previously she had thought college was out of her reach, due to the limited financial resources of her family and no history of anyone in her family ever attending college. As such, she had not previously given much importance to her grades. Rather than participating in extracurricular school activities, she focused on working. She is on track for graduating with her class next year and has a current grade point average of 2.05.
Taneka is now questioning her previous assumption about college or other post-secondary educational possibilities, but she does not have a clear idea of what she would like to pursue as a career. Choosing a career and a post-secondary program to prepare for it, seeking financial support, and navigating the admissions procedure all remain mysteries to her.
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Use the Career Counseling Theory Case Study Template (attached) for your case study and address the following:
Argue for one relevant theory to be applied to the scenario. Note: Appropriate career counseling theories include, but are not limited to, Holland, Super, Krumboltz, Gottfredson, Social Cognitive theory, and Person-Environment-fit.
Identify the theory you chose and provide a rationale as to why you have selected this career theory.
Describe the key components of your chosen career counseling theoretical framework.
Analyze any challenges you might have by applying this theory to the case.
Propose possible approaches or solutions for addressing the challenges you identified.
Be sure to analyze research findings that support your use of this theory. One of your three supporting references should be your selected journal article (not an assigned course reading).
NOTES:
Theory to be used in paper: Person-in-Environment Theory
It is important to indicate your Program Specialization in your paper. Review the Career Counseling Theory Case Study Scoring Guide (attached) to understand the grading expectations for this assignment.
REFERENCES: 3 references required
Paper template is attached
Scoring guide is attached
**Program Specialization: Marriage and Family Counseling**
**Career Counseling Theory Case Study: Applying Person-in-Environment Theory**
**Selected Theory: Person-in-Environment Theory**
**Rationale for Choosing Person-in-Environment Theory:**
As a marriage and family counseling specialist, I have chosen Person-in-Environment (PIE) Theory because it emphasizes the importance of considering individuals within the context of their environments, including family dynamics, socioeconomic status, and cultural background. Given Taneka’s familial responsibilities, limited financial resources, and lack of family history with higher education, PIE Theory provides a comprehensive framework for understanding her career development needs.
**Key Components of Person-in-Environment Theory:**
**Ecological Perspective:** PIE Theory posits that individuals are influenced by their social, economic, and cultural environments. It emphasizes the interplay between the individual and their surroundings, recognizing the reciprocal relationship between people and their contexts.
**Systems Approach:** This theory views individuals as part of larger systems, such as families, communities, and societies. It considers the interactions and dynamics within these systems and how they shape individuals’ behaviors, attitudes, and opportunities.
**Empowerment:** PIE Theory advocates for empowering individuals to navigate and advocate for themselves within their environments. It emphasizes the importance of social justice and equity, recognizing the systemic barriers that may hinder individuals’ access to resources and opportunities.
**Cultural Sensitivity:** This theory underscores the significance of cultural competence in understanding individuals’ experiences and identities. It encourages counselors to consider the cultural norms, values, and traditions that influence clients’ career aspirations and decision-making processes.
**Challenges of Applying Person-in-Environment Theory to the Case:**
**Limited Academic Achievement:** Taneka’s current grade point average (GPA) of 2.05 may pose a challenge in pursuing post-secondary education. PIE Theory emphasizes the importance of addressing systemic barriers to academic success, such as inadequate educational resources and support.
**Financial Constraints:** Taneka’s family has limited financial resources, which may impact her ability to afford college tuition and expenses. PIE Theory highlights the need for addressing socioeconomic inequalities and advocating for financial assistance programs to support individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.
**Family Dynamics:** Taneka’s role as the eldest sibling and her caretaking responsibilities for her younger siblings may impact her career decisions and aspirations. PIE Theory emphasizes the significance of considering family dynamics and support systems in career counseling interventions.
**Possible Approaches for Addressing Challenges:**
**Academic Support Services:** Collaborate with Taneka’s school to provide academic support services, such as tutoring and mentoring, to improve her GPA and increase her eligibility for college admission.
**Financial Aid Resources:** Assist Taneka in exploring financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and student loans, to alleviate the financial burden of college expenses.
**Family Counseling:** Offer family counseling sessions to address communication patterns, role expectations, and support systems within Taneka’s family. This can help her navigate her familial responsibilities while pursuing her educational and career goals.
**Conclusion:**
Person-in-Environment Theory offers a holistic framework for understanding Taneka’s career development needs within the context of her family, socioeconomic status, and cultural background. By addressing systemic barriers, empowering Taneka to advocate for herself, and considering her familial dynamics, counselors can support her in achieving her career aspirations and accessing post-secondary educational opportunities.
**References:**
Amundson, N. E. (2016). Active engagement: Enhancing the career counseling process (4th ed.). Ergon Communications.
Lent, R. W., & Brown, S. D. (2013). Social cognitive model of career self-management: Toward a unifying view of adaptive career behavior across the life span. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 60(4), 557–568. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0033446
Super, D. E. (1990). A life-span, life-space approach to career development. In D. Brown & L. Brooks (Eds.), Career choice and development: Applying contemporary theories to practice (2nd ed., pp. 197–261). Jossey-Bass.
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