The intersection of career and mental health from the lens of Cognitive Information Processing Theory

Anxiety and depression have increased exponentially and can be exacerbated by the ongoing individual and combined effects of the pandemic, ongoing unemployment, and systemic racism. Across the globe, career counsellors see the impact of these mental health concerns on individuals as they engage in career-decision making and problem-solving. Cognitive Information Processing theory (CIP; Sampson et al., 2020) can provide a useful framework for supporting diverse individuals experiencing heightened mental health and career concerns. In this article, we review key components of CIP theory, provide specific case examples that highlight the integration of career and mental health, and offer CIP-based conceptualizations and interventions.