| Past meta-analyses conducted on career decision-making called for research on a broader population than traditional college students, which is of direct use to practitioners. The purpose of this study was to validate the effectiveness of a multivariate, career and educational counseling model (Greenwood Career Decision-Making Model) by assessing client satisfaction and relating that to adherence to program recommendations. The subgoals of the research were to identify which of the program components were seen as more helpful to clients and to identify the greatest influences on clients as they made their career and educational decisions. This model differs from others in its emphasis on greater self-understanding and teaching decision-making skills.; A sample of 78 clients was randomly selected from the client master log of the practitioner, sampling clients who received services at least three years prior to the study. Data were collected using telephone interviews. Based on that data, clients were grouped into those who adhered to program recommendations (65% of the sample) and those who did not (35% of the sample). A t-test was conducted to determine if clients who adhered to program recommendations were more committed to their careers and enjoyed their careers more. The study found that those who adhered to program recommendations were significantly more committed to their careers, but both groups enjoyed their chosen career paths to the same extent. Analyses of variance were conducted to identify differences in program components that assisted clients in their career decisions and to identify significant influences in their decision-making. The results suggested that the interview, testing, and feedback program components were significantly more helpful than the researching of careers and final report. Similarly, clients' families, the program, and prior experience were significantly more influential in assisting clients to make a decision than were peers and teachers.; Overall results indicated that 85% of the participants reported that the program met their needs and 95% would recommend the program to others. Results were interpreted in terms of the unique attributes of the Greenwood Career Decision-Making Model and its relationship to career counseling theories. |
