Chapter 3

I did not find Duffy’s article on religion and spirituality in career development useful or insightful (2006).  It was difficult for me to get through the article and take it seriously and intellectually without my own beliefs inputting sarcastic cognitions.  My interpretation of Adams and Csiernik’s (2002) definition of workplace spirituality in Duffy’s article is working together cooperatively in goal-oriented activities that allows members to become part of a group.  I am confused as how this is related to spirituality and not just team-building in the work-place.  I find the qualitative research not even worth mentioning in the article.  I am sure I could find a group of ten or twelve individuals who have similar values to give me the same “data.”  I also think that one should consider other influences than just the inferences he makes about the correlational research done by himself and Blustein (2005).  He noted that religiousness was a positive predictor of career decision self-efficacy.  If someone believes in a higher power that has something to do with their career decision, they may feel like they are not the only party that contributed to the decision.  This may cause less doubt in how they will perform in that career decision.  

I understand the importance of being aware of the religious values of others and how it plays into their world view.  Their world view will ultimately affect every aspect of the counseling process.  Being that I have no religious affiliation or education about any religion including Christianity, I find the idea of incorporating religion and spirituality in the work place as aggravating and useless.  I think if someone is religious or spiritual to the point that it is incorporated in every aspect of their life, then it is important to address in the counseling setting.  If it is evident that their values are related to this then it is also necessary to incorporate in the counseling process.  Coming from someone who is not spiritual or religious, I find the topic off-putting especially in our culture that recognizes Christianity as the norm.

I enjoyed Brown’s chapter this week, because I identify with learning theories.  I find the Social Cognitive Perspective most in line with my ideals.  I like that it encompasses the interaction between people and their environments and their multidirectional influence.  It is a more realistically applicable theory as it includes cultural influences and environmental variables.  Self-efficacy is an important concept in career development and actual job performance which Holland’s theory lacked.  This theory goes beyond what your interests are and doesn’t leave clients stuck in specific boxes.  Because I approach this topic from a clinical perspective, I like that it also has the counselor addressing the cognitions of the client in regards to their career development decisions and thinking. 

Brown, D. (2012). Learning theory-based, postmodern, socioeconomic, and decision-making theories and their applications. In Career information, career counseling, and career development (10th ed., pp. 59-79). New York: Pearson Education, Inc.

Duffy, R. (2006). Spirituality, religion, and career development: Current status and future directions. The Career Development Quarterly, 55, 52-63.