Super’s

Developmental Self-
Concept Theory
Vocational development is
the process of developing
and implementing a self-
concept. As the self-
concept becomes more
realistic and stable, so does
vocational choice and
behavior.
 Career Maturity
Similarity between one’s actual
vocational behavior and what is
expected for that stage of
development
Includes readiness to cope with

developmental tasks at a given

stage
It is both affective and cognitive
 3 Concepts of Super’s
Theory
1.Self-Concept
A picture of who we are and what we are
Individuals seek to live out their
vocational self-concept through their choice
of work
People use this understanding of self when
they identify career goals and plans
2. Life Span
 The length of one’s career

I. GROWTH (6-13 y/o)

 Children develop a beginning sense of self and
understanding world of work.
1. Fantasy (4- 10 y/o)
- needs are a priority, fantasy role play is important
2. Interests (11-12 y/o)
-likes are the key in aspirations and activities
3. Capacity (13- 14 y/o)
-abilities become clear and important with job
requirements being considered
II. EXPLORATION (15- 24 y/o)
 “trying out” through classes, work experience, and hobbies
1. Tentative (15-17 y/o)
-needs, interests, capacities, values and opportunities
are all considered
2. Transition (18-21 y/o)
-realistic considerations become valuable while
entering professional training of work force and
individual attempts to implement self-concept
3. Trial-Little Commitment (22-24 y/o)
-a seemly appropriate occupation has been found; a
first job is tried as potential life work
III. ESTABLISHMENT (25-44 y/o)
 The individual found their permanent and
appropriate field of work
1. Trial with commitment (25-30 y/o)
-the individuals settles down
-during this stage, the individuals begins to
support themselves and their family
2. Advancement (31-44 y/o)
-individuals begins to become more focused
on their place in their occupation
-they become interested in their security and
advancement
IV. MAINTAINANCE (45-64 y/o)
 Continual adjustment process to improve
position
 The individual has already made a place in
the world of work, now the concern is how to
hold onto it

Concerns:
 Concerned about maintaining present status

 Concerned about competition from younger

workers in the advancement stage

V. DECLINE (65-up)
 Deceleration, retirement, planning and living
 During this stage, there is a physical and/or mental powers
decline
1. Disengagement (60-64 y/o)
-the individual may begin to ask for their work to be
delegated to other individuals.
- they may also become more selective in what they
do or how they participate in activities
2. Retirement (65 and up)
-individuals begin to give up their jobs or careers
-they begin to immerse themselves in other roles,
home life, hobbies, civic activities and on occasion
studies
3. Life Space
 The breath of one’s career
 Career is defined as the combination of life roles that one

plays at a given life stage

 The 8 Life Roles:

1. son or daughter
2. student
3. worker
4. partner
5. homemaker
6. parent
7. leisurite
8. citizen