Which theorist emphasized self-concept and lifelong career development?

• A. Holland
• B. Krumboltz
• C. Super
• D. Gestalt

Answer: (C)

The main concept tested is that career development is guided by a person’s self-concept across the life span. Donald Super argued that individuals shape their careers by acting in ways that express who they believe they are, and that this process unfolds throughout life through a series of developmental stages. Self-concept here is the organized view of one’s abilities, values, interests, and aspirations, which interacts with changing roles and opportunities to steer career choices. Because development is lifelong, Super’s model describes how people move from growth and exploration to establishment, maintenance, and eventually disengagement, continuously redefining their work identity as they age and accumulate experience.

This is the best answer because it directly links self-concept with ongoing, lifelong career development, which is the hallmark of Super’s theory. Other theorists emphasize different ideas: Holland centers on matching personality types to work environments, focusing on fit rather than lifespan progression; Krumboltz emphasizes social learning and decision-making through learned experiences; Gestalt emphasizes awareness and perception in therapy, not a comprehensive career-development framework.