Resilience and career adaptability: Qualitative studies of adult career counseling

an article by Jenny Bimrose (University of Warwick, UK) and Lucy Hearne (University of Limerick, Ireland) published in Journal of Vocational Behavior Volume 81 Issue 3 (December 2012)

Abstract

Global economic recession is exerting extreme pressures not only on individuals attempting to move into and through labour markets, but also on those providing support for such transitions. Resilience and career adaptability are increasingly relevant, yet despite being present in the literature for some time, these concepts have been under-represented in the vocational psychology literature.

This article represents a contribution to redressing this balance by focusing on their potential to make positive contributions both to clients of career counseling and to practitioners delivering these services.

Drawing on data from four qualitative studies conducted in England, Norway and the Republic of Ireland from 2003 to 2012, these concepts are examined, together with their complementarity for career counselling practice. The article also discusses the role, status and conduct of qualitative research as well as the importance of the researcher/participant relationship in qualitative research investigations.

Highlights

► The potential of the concepts of resilience and career adaptability are explored.
► Evidence is drawn from four qualitative studies undertaken across three countries.
► Support for both adult clients and professionals under pressure are considered.
► Participant:researcher relationships in qualitative research are highlighted.

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