Brief Overview of Ginzberg, Ginsburg, Axelrad & Herma Process

Important Points

• Conducted in 1951 by an economist, psychiatrist, sociologist, and psychologist.

• A developmental theory based on cross sectional study of white, middle/ upper class males

• The process consists of three stages: the fantasy stage (0-12 yrs), the tentative Stage (12-18 yrs), and the realistic stage (18 yrs +).

• The tentative stage has four sub-stages: the interest stage (11-12 yrs), the capacity stage (13-14 yrs), the value stage (15-16 yrs), and the transition stage (17 yrs).

  A video demonstrating the transition stage:

• The realistic stage has three sub-stages: the exploration stage (sophomore in college) the crystallization stage (usually around end of college), the specification stage (usually after college
• Other points discussed include:
  -The process is largely irreversible: each decision is a result of the fact that each decision made during the process is dependent on the chronological age and development of the individual. Later decisions are limited by previous decisions
  -The process ends in a compromise: if we could base our decision only on interests or capacities it may be easier, but we have factors, limitations, etc that may limit what we may do or become.
  -Emotional instability can affect our choices
  -Work experience may affect our choices: early years of employment frequently leads the individual to reconsider his occupation choice.