Integrative career construction counselling with seriously disadvantaged, unemployed black youths: semi-longitudinal, exploratory research

This article explores an integrative career construction counselling intervention for seriously disadvantaged, unemployed black youths. A purposively selected group of 51 participants took part in the study. A semi-longitudinal, exploratory, follow-up multiple case study design, embedded in a mixed-methods (QUALITATIVE + quantitative) design, was employed. A three-phase intervention process facilitated the elicitation and validation of participants’ career-life stories and self-perceptions, fostering forward movement and action. Career interest and confidence scores were assessed using a newly developed traditional test, while a storied, narrative questionnaire captured participants’ career-life narratives. Data were analysed using an adapted reflexive thematic analysis. The intervention enhanced participants’ three psychological selves (albeit to varying degrees). Notably, their career confidence showed meaningful progress between the first and second feedback sessions (one year apart). While the outcomes are promising, further research is needed, using diverse assessment instruments and larger, more varied samples to establish long-term impacts and mechanisms of change.