The Relation of Student Characteristics to the Influence of the Self-Directed Search

Using a sample of 322 female and 203 male high school students, this study examined student expectations for taking an interest inventory, the effects of the Self-Directed Search (SDS), and student evaluations of the SDS experience. Results imply that most students are seeking reassurance about their current choices, want guidance about a career to enter, and want to find out how to get the necessary training to secure a job. More students want to narrow their range of choices than to broaden it. Other results show that, three weeks after taking the SDS and receiving a supplementary booklet, Understanding Yourself and Your Career, the vocational intervention was rated equally positively by students with differing expectations. The experience was rated most positively by girls, by students high on an identity scale, and by those who reported few vocational decision-making difficulties. The article discusses counseling and research implications.