Abstract
Dysfunctional career thoughts and the lack of development of career interests may be considered as key factors related to the inability of individuals to formulate educational and career goals and to make appropriate career decisions. Three criterion groups, First-time Offender (n = 31), Probationer (n = 30), and Repeat Offender (n = 31) were compared in terms of dysfunctional career thoughts and career interest structure, using the Career Thoughts Inventory and Self-Directed Search, respectively. Participants were female felons within a corrections system of a southeastern state. There were significant differences among the groups in Commitment Anxiety with the Repeat Offender group demonstrating significantly less anxiety than First-time Offender or Probationer groups. The groups were also significantly different in coherence, an indicator of focus of career aspirations, with the Probationer group demonstrating higher levels than the comparison groups, even though only 13% of the total group indicated high coherence. Implications for the use of the Career Thoughts Inventory and Self-Directed Search for career assessment and interventions are discussed.
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