Lent, Brown, & Hackett Cognitive Career Theory

Lent, Brown & Hackett's Social Cognitive Career Theory is based on the social cognitive theory by Albert Bandera.  There are three important building blocks including self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and personal goals.

• Self-Efficacy- one's personal belief about ability to succeed
• Outcome Expectations- beliefs about the outcome of particular behaviors
• Personal Goals- one's determination to engage in an activity or influence an outcome

This theory outlines that one is attracted to activities in which they can be successful.  Attitudes and values are tied to outcome expectations and self-efficacy.  Gender and ethnicity also influence self-efficacy and outcome expectations.

One's beliefs about their ability to be successful in a certain career and their beliefs about outcomes influence the development of interests.  

• Clients need to examine specific experiences they have had that have helped to develop their current career path.
• It is very important to research how previous learning has shaped a clients self-confidence or self-efficacy about their career, how it has shaped outcome expectations and career interests.  

Counselors should assist clients in setting positive and realistic expectations for themselves and setting specific goals to meet those expectations.  

For more information visit http://www.guidance-research.org/EG/impprac/ImpP2/new-theories/social-cognitive.