Vocational Indecision and adolescent psychopatology: A conceptual proposal

Abstract

In the present work we propose a conceptualization for the relationship between chronic career indecision and psychopathology. We assume a dimensional and psychodynamic approach to psychopathology. We consider four general structures of psychopathology: borderline, psychotic, depressive and neurotic. Considering psychopathology to elaborate about the subject of career indecision does not presume a pathological view of the adolescent development and functioning, but aims to evidence patterns of mental functioning that contribute to indecision in the vocational area. The integration of the career indecision thematic in this larger conceptual framework aims to open new possibilities to research and practice of vocational psychology.