What is a theme?

Donald Super was the founder of the "Thematic-Extrapolation Method" (1954) where we take the life history of client, and seek patterns of behaviour within it. He "described [it] as extrapolation based on thematic analysis, and the underlying theory is the theory of life patterns" (p. 13). This is where we are the "historian, reviewing historical evidence, seeking the patterns or themes that explain the past, and then extrapolating the most plausible prediction of future client performance" (Jepsen, 1994, p. 44).

The theme is what we seek with our clients. As Super says, "one way to understand what an individual will do in the future is to understand what [they] did in the past" (1954, p. 13), by together analysing the past "sequence of events and the development of characteristics", we can identify "the recurring themes and underlying trends" and hopefully help the client see potential futures. Both desirable and undesirable futures. By doing this we put the power in the hands of the client to make change.

Yep: that is good. But what are themes, exactly? We can turn to Super here as well. Themes can be thought of "as changes in the frequency, strength, and interaction of the behavioral manifestations[,] needs, values, [and] achievements (Jepsen, 1994, p. 44, citing Super, 1957, p. 282). Super provided "an example of an emerging theme from the case history of George Litch [...] whose early need for security was extrapolated as a likely recurring [theme] later in his career" (p. 44, citing Super, 1954).

Perhaps from this we could assume that a theme is a pattern. A pattern of need, value, behaviour, or achievement, a pattern which is likely to recur... unless we make a deliberate effort to change (Jepson, 1994; Super, 1954, 1957). So what type of things might form a theme?

As we can see from Mr Litch, security can form a theme throughout our career. Other themes I have seen in my practice include fear/seeking of change; avoidance/seeking of responsibility; damaged/solid psychological contracts; bewilderment of/insight into others' motives. All limit or propel the individual in their work.

From a practitioner point of view, a practice theme might be particular type of practice, a particular client group, a particular stage, or a particular field. A practitioner theme might be clients in science; engineering graduates; student job search; career transformation; career transition; clients with complex/specialist workplace needs, such as disability, vulnerable populations, neurodiversity or diverse learners; managing conflict; working with a particular culture or ethnicity; entrepreneurship and career development; ethics; gender; leadership; motivation; national and international change; AI; decentralisation versus centralisation; globalisation versus localisation; new practitioners; professional development.

The list is almost endless. But at least, thanks to Super (1954, 1957), we know what a theme is.

Sam

References:

Jepsen, D. A. (1994). The thematic‐extrapolation method: Incorporating career patterns into career counseling. The Career Development Quarterly, 43(1), 43-53. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2161-0045.1994.tb00845.x

Super, D. E. (1954). Career patterns as a basis for vocational counseling. Journal of Counseling Psychology 1(1), 12-20. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0061989

Super, D. E. (1957). The Psychology of Careers. Harper & Row.