Interests, Aspirations, Self-Estimates, and the Self-Directed Search

This article discusses the meaning of vocational aspirations, competency self-estimates, and ability self-ratings assessed by the Self-Directed Search (SDS). It describes views on the role of learning in the development of vocational interests expressed by E. L. Thorndike and E. K. Strong and the more recent views on interest development expressed by J. L. Holland. The article suggests that self-estimates and self-ratings may be interpreted as type-specific self-efficacy expectations as described by A. Bandura and that vocational aspirations may often resemble goals. Evidence of the predictive value of classified aspirations and of self-estimates is discussed. It is concluded that Holland’s theory of vocational personalities provides an organizing typology that is compatible with ideas derived from social-cognitive theory and goal theory, and the SDS provides a tool for assessing constructs drawn from the latter theories.