The Impact of Attachment on Career-Related Variables A Review of the Literature and Proposed Theoretical Framework to Guide Future Research

There has been a significant amount of research investigation focused on the construct of attachment, and also a significant amount of research investigation using the social cognitive career theory (SCCT). More recently, researchers have investigated the influence of attachment on career-related variables. Studies that focus on both attachment and career-related variables are reviewed in this article. Findings from the majority of studies reviewed support the assertion that attachment could be a crucial factor in career development. A limitation of past research has been the lack of a theoretical framework that explains the relationship between attachment constructs and career-related variables. To address this limitation, the authors propose that the combination of attachment theory and SCCT could provide a useful and more comprehensive framework to guide future research in this area. The integration of the two theories is explained, and suggestions for career counseling practice and future research are provided.