Lesbian Career Development, Work Behavior, and Vocational Counseling

Abstract

Women 's career development has recently been a popular topic in counseling psychology, for both theoretical and empirical work This article extends that line of inquiry to address the unique career development issues of lesbians. The available literature on lesbians and work is reviewed, and parallels are drawn between the work experiences of lesbians, nonlesbian women, and other minority status groups. Three models of career development in women (Astin, 1985; Farmer, 1985; Gottfredson, 1981) are presented, and the applicability of each theory to increasing understanding of lesbian experience is explored. Implications for vocational and work-related counseling for lesbians are suggested and recommendations for the field are made.

Interpersonal Influences on Students' Academic and Career Decisions: The Impact of Sexual Orientation

“…It seems that many GLB students recognize that similar role models will serve important functions that heterosexual career role models may be unable to serve. Thus, consistent with social learning theory (Bandura, 1977), they may be looking to role models perceived as similar to themselves to challenge stereotypes, help them anticipate the consequences of being out in the workplace, and help them learn how to cope with such consequences (Croteau & Thiel, 1993;Elliott, 1993;Ettinger et aI., 1990;Hetherington & Orzek, 1989;Morgan & Brown, 1991). On the other hand, the GLB students in this study reported significantly less support/guidance from others when they made academic and career decisions than did the heterosexual sample.…”

Nonheterosexist Organizational Climate and Affirmative Counselor Behaviors: Validation of Instruments

“…The original 20-item Affirmative Behaviors with GLB Clients subscale asked participants to rate statements that describe their behaviors with clients expressing gay, lesbian, and bisexual career concerns. Articles that addressed the career concerns of gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals (i.e., Croteau & Thiel, 1993;Elliott, 1993;Hetherington, Hillerbrand, & Etringer, 1989;Morgan & Brown, 1991) were consulted and a list of recommended culturally affirmative counselor behaviors for working with gay, lesbian, and bisexual clients was generated. Item development was guided by this comprehensive list of behaviors.…”

Career Counseling With Lesbian Clients: Using the Theory of Work Adjustment as a Framework

“…Making the decision to disclose sexual orientation is often fraught with damaging consequences, yet many researchers (e.g., Croteau & Hedstrom, 1993;Elliott, 1993;Fassinger, 1991Fassinger, ,1996Morgan & Brown, 1991) have acknowledged the toll that is taken on the mental health oflesbians who exert the energy necessary to maintain secrecy. Conversely, by coming out, lesbians may open themselves up to discrimination and harassment, which can lead to constant fear and anxiety (Gelwick, 1984).…”

“…Counselors should have a basic understanding of the process of sexual identity formation to better understand the client and to understand its impact on the client's work, work relationships, reinforcement values, satisfaction, and other important areas of interface with the work environment (Boatwright et a!., 1996;Croteau & Hedstrom, 1993;Day & Schoenrade, 1997;Elliott, 1993;Fassinger, 1996;Morgan & Brown, 1991). The counselor should be prepared to assist the client in her quest to weigh the values of disclosure and nondisclosure.…”