The occupational identity statuses of 232 college students were analyzed by examining their family emotional environment and the identity control processes that drive career decision making. Results of multivariate analysis showed that each family differentiation construct, family tolerance for connectedness, and separateness explained significant variance in the achievement, foreclosure, moratorium, and diffusion of occupational identity statuses. Additionally, this study provides a foundation for career counseling intervention in which adolescents struggling with occupational issues may benefit from career interventions that respond not only to the nature of their decisions but also to the family dynamics present during their decision-making process.

Culturally derived career counseling groups constitute a potentially promising way of providing supportive experiences for Latino/a college students. These groups can facilitate Latino/a students' help-seeking behavior, address general college transition needs, add new coping skills, resolve developmental issues, and respond to career concerns. The author finds these groups useful for promoting overall wellness; improving academic performance, retention, and graduation rates; and enhancing successful transitioning into the job market and/or the continuation of postgraduation plans.