Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

Who initiated the development of trait and type theories in career counseling?

1. Donald Super

2. Frank Parsons

3. John Holland

4. Carl Rogers

The correct answer is: Frank Parsons

Frank Parsons is recognized as a pivotal figure in the development of trait and type theories in career counseling. He is often referred to as the "father of vocational guidance" and laid the groundwork for modern career counseling. In the early 1900s, Parsons introduced the idea that individuals could find suitable work by understanding their own personal traits and aligning them with job characteristics. His seminal work emphasized the importance of self-assessment and the relationship between personal abilities and job requirements. Parsons proposed a systematic approach to career decision-making, which became foundational for later theories of vocational choice, including trait and type theories that look at the fit between an individual's traits (such as interests, skills, and values) and the type of work available. While others, such as Donald Super and John Holland, expanded upon these ideas, contributing their own theories and frameworks—like Super's developmental approach and Holland's RIASEC model—Parsons's early contributions set the stage for the formalization of trait and type theories in career counseling. This historical context is crucial for understanding how the field has evolved and emphasizes Parsons's role in bridging personal characteristics with vocational selection.