The Effectiveness of Strengths-based Career Counseling on Career Exploration, Self-efficacy and Dysfunctional Career Thoughts in Unemployed Female Graduates

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of strengths-based career counseling on career exploration, career self-efficacy and dysfunctional career thoughts regulation among unemployed graduates. Methods: study was a quasi-experimental research with a pre-post-follow up design and a control group. Research population consisted of all unemployed female graduates in city of Islamabad Gharb in 2018. Convenient sampling method was employed and through inclusion criteria, 28 individuals were selected and then randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (14 in each group). The intervention involved four 90-minute weekly sessions using strengths-based career counseling. The control group did not receive any intervention. Career exploration survey, career self-efficacy scale and dysfunctional career thoughts scale were used to collect data. Data was analyzed using ANCOVA statistical method. Findings: The results showed that there is a significant difference at the post-test stages between experimental and control group in career exploration (P <0.001; F = 68.66; P <0.001; F = 102.99), career self-efficacy (P <0.001; F = 34.31; P <0.001; F = 47.94) and dysfunctional career thoughts (P <0.001; F = 7.89; P <0.001; F = 88.22). Also this difference is stable over the time, at the follow up in three month. Conclusion: It is recommended that executive directors and education officials conduct strengths-based career counseling for students on a large scale.