The Self-Directed Search: A Family of Self-Guided Career Interventions

Abstract

The Self-Directed Search (SDS; Holland, 1994) is a pair of booklets that simulate career counseling, accompanied by a set of derivative tools for use with the SDS. It is theoretically based, can be self- administered, self-scored, and self-interpreted and has a substantial base of studies examining its "functional utility" or therapeutic effects. The SDS has been revised three times since its development in 1970, resulting in the latest revision or Form R (1994). Form R (1994) was created in two steps. An experimental version of the Assessment Booklet was compiled with 70 new items and administered to 701 individuals. These data were then used to identify good and bad items. In a second step, 2,600 students and adults from 25 states completed the final Form R. Internal consistencies for the revised summary scales range from .90 to .94. Test-retest reliability range from .76 to .89 over a period of 4 to 12 weeks. The Occupations Finder (Holland, 1994) was revised and two manuals created: one a technical manual and one a professional user's guide. As in other revisions of the SDS, the goal was to make the experience more useful to clients and to counselors.

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