Donald Super’s Career Development Theory – Key Points

Fifteen question-and-answer flashcards summarising age ranges, tasks, and concepts within Donald Super’s five career-development stages.

Who proposed the most widely known life-span approach to career development?

Donald E. Super.

What core idea underlies Super’s Career Development Theory?

Career choice and adaptation unfold across the entire life span in a series of predictable stages.

What is the name and age range of Super’s first career stage?

Growth stage, Birth–14 years.

Which key developmental tasks characterize the Growth stage?

Developing a realistic self-concept, learning to relate to others, and forming work attitudes and needs.

What is the second stage in Super’s model, and what ages does it cover?

Exploration stage, roughly 14–24 years.

List two typical activities of the Exploration stage.

Trying out roles through classes, part-time work, hobbies; making tentative occupational choices and building basic skills.

At what ages does the Establishment stage occur, and what is its central focus?

Ages 25–44; entry-level skill building, gaining work experience, and stabilising in a chosen field.

Which stage involves a ‘continual adjustment process to improve position,’ and what is its age range?

Maintenance stage, 45–64 years.

What occupational behaviours are common in the Decline stage (65+)?

Reducing output, cutting working hours, focusing on essentials, preparing for retirement.

During adolescence to early adulthood (14–24), what primary career task does Super highlight?

Learning more about career opportunities and finding desired options (Exploration).

What is the main career concern of middle adulthood (25–45) according to Super?

Getting started and settling down in a suitable position while developing new skills (Establishment).

In the Maintenance stage (45–65), what is a key goal for workers?

Making one’s occupational position secure and holding one’s own against competition.

Give one example of a life activity that typically decreases in the Decline stage.

Participation in sports or other physically demanding hobbies.

What personal adjustment often occurs during the Growth stage besides career awareness?

Accepting one’s own limitations and learning to relate effectively to others.

How do developmental theories such as Super’s generally structure working life?

By partitioning it into stages and specifying the typical vocational behaviours found in each stage.