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While taking a personological approach to decision making theory, this thesis addresses the issue of how adolescents make occupational decisions. Implicit in this thesis is the idea that a personological approach to decision making has theoretical and practical significance when it is conducted through a personality orientation. The personality orientation used to examine adolescent decision making is the social cognitive theory of Berzonsky's identity-processing styles. Based on Berzonsky's identity-processing styles, 63 adolescents were classified as Informational, Normative and Diffuse/ avoidant for assessing the extent compensatory (high demand) and non-compensatory (reduced-demand) processing was used in an occupational choice situation that varied in cognitive complexity. Additional interest was also directed at determining whether the identity-processing styles reflected different intrinsic or extrinsic value preferences in their final choices. All processing data was derived through a computerizedinformation acquisition system called MOUSELAB. As hypothesized, the three identity-processing styles differed significantly in cognitive strategy usage and search behavior. Informational adolescents were seen to use a compensatory additive linear procedure; that is, they searched a large amount of information, in a constant fashion, for an extended period of time. Normative adolescents were seen to use a non-compensatory conjunctive procedure; that is, they searched a smaller amount of information, in a selective fashion, fora shorter period of time. Diffuse/avoidant adolescents were seen to use a non-compensatory elimination-by-aspect procedure; where the amount, selectivity and time of search was similar to the Normative adolescents. In regards to search direction, Informationals and Normatives were seen to assess occupational choices through an alternative-based search pattern whereas; Diffuse/avoidants were seen to lean towards an attribute-based search pattern. These processing results were true only for the high information load condition. Finally, as expected theoretically, value preferences were seen to vary according to an adolescent's identity-processing style. When making an occupational selection, Informational adolescents placed more emphases on intrinsic values (Feeling of Self-fulfilment, Intellectual Stimulation, Autonomy ect) whereas Normative adolescents placed more emphases on extrinsic values (Authority, Prestige, Wage etc). Diffuse/avoidant adolescents oscillated between the two value systems. Implications for decision making theory, applied suggestions for professionals counselling job-seeking adolescents and limitations of the study are discussed.

The goal of this study was to investigate self-efficacy and goal choice among acting-out adolescents in comparison to nonacting-out adolescents. One hundred and sixteen adolescents between the ages of 13 and 16 participated. The adolescents were categorized as either acting-out or nonacting-out on the basis of their score on the Child Behavior Checklist-Teacher's Report Form (Achenbach & Edelbrock, 1986), as well as on corroborated reports made by school administrators. Fifty-eight acting-out and 58 nonacting-out adolescents completed a questionnaire packet containing measures of self-efficacy, locus of control, self-mage, and goal choice. In addition, each adolescent was interviewed and administered a brief intelligence measure. With all demographic variables covaried, the primary findings of the study were that acting-out as compared to nonacting-out adolescents experienced more incidents of failure, displayed lower general self-efficacy scores, greater external loci of control, and chose goals that were vague or less specific. The negative experiences associated with behavioral problems, such as academic failure, apparently lower adolescents' self-beliefs and abilities to specify their goals. Despite their experiential differences, however, acting-out and nonacting-out adolescents displayed similar levels of social self-efficacy, real self-image, and ideal self-image, as well as similar goal setting abilities in areas other than goal specificity. All adolescents chose a comparable number of goals, as well as comparable levels of goal difficulty, goal commitment, and procedural knowledge. The stage of adolescence with its many changes, demands, and uncertainties apparently leaves most youths with comparable self-images and goal setting abilities, regardless of whether or not they have negative experiences of social and academic failure.

Despite wider community appeal, there has been restricted interest within the psychological discipline to understand and utilise the 'rites of passage' paradigm. In response, this paper systematically reviews the anthropological, sociological, psychological and developmental (Eriksonian) literature to examine the utility of this paradigm within a contemporary context, and in relation to both normal and at-risk adolescent identity development. The utility of this paradigm within the context of group and individual interventions is also reviewed. Strong support is provided that the 'rites of passage' paradigm can augment and complement current psychological theorising and interventions. Future research and methodological directions are tabled. / Thesis (MPsy(Clinical))--University of South Australia, 2006.

Thesis (Ed. D.)--Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, 1988. / Abstract lacking from microfiche. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 157-174).

Thesis (Ph.D.) in Psychology--University of Maine, 2004. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 119-134).

Dissertation (Ph.D.) -- The Institute for Clinical Social Work, 2001. / A dissertation submitted to the faculty of the Institute of Clinical Social Work in partial fulfillment for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Includes bibliographical references (p. 257-260)

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Toronto, 2004. / Adviser: Mary Kooy.