Krumboltz's social learning theory of career decision-making is based on Bandura's social learning theory, which identifies three types of learning: instrumental, associative, and vicarious. Krumboltz's theory focuses on teaching clients alternatives for career decision-making using the concept of triadic reciprocal interaction, emphasizing instrumental and associative learning. The theory addresses why people choose certain careers or change paths, and why preferences vary over a lifetime due to genetic, environmental, learning, and skill factors that shape beliefs and actions through complex interactions. Krumboltz outlines a seven-stage model for career decision-making and potential problems in the process.

1. Krumboltz and Associates
Mary Florence C. Valencia
August 7, 2010

2. Foundation
 At the heart of Krumboltz’ own theory is Bandura’s
Social Learning Theory.
 According to Bandura, there are 3 major types of
learning experiences:
 Instrumental
 Associative
 Vicarious

3. Glossary of Terminologies
 Triadic Reciprocal Interaction

4. Social Learning Theory of Career
Decision-Making
 focuses on teaching clients’ career decision-making
alternatives
 makes use of the concept of “triadic reciprocal
interaction”
 emphasises the role of instrumental & associative
learning

5. Social Learning Theory of Career
Decision-Making
Developed to address the following questions:
 Why do people enter particular courses or jobs?
 Why do people change direction during their lives?
 Why do people express various preferences for
different activities at different point of their lives?

6. A. Influential Factors in
Career Decision-Making
 Genetic Endowment and Special Abilities
 Environmental Conditions and Events
 Learning Experiences
 Task Approach Skills

7. B. Resulting Cognitions, Beliefs,
Skills and Actions
Complex interactions between the four preceding
types of influencing factors results in people forming
generalizations (beliefs) which represent their own
reality.
Self-Observed Generalizations
World-View Generalizations

8. C. Task Approach Skills and Career
Decision-Making
 Krumboltz’ seven stage career decision-making model:
Define the Problem
Establish the Action Plan
Clarify the Values
Identify Alternatives
Discover Probable Outcomes
Eliminate Alternatives
Start Action

9. Potential Problems
 Failing to recognize that a problem exists
 Failing to make a decision or to solve a problem
 Eliminating a potentially satisfying alternative for
inappropriate reasons
 Choosing poor alternatives for inappropriate reasons
 Become anxious over perceived inability to achieve goals.

11. Krumboltz and Associates
Mary Florence C. Valencia
August 7, 2010