Crystallization, in vocational psychology dictionary

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Dictionary of Vocational Psychology

Crystallization

Ginzberg, Ginsberg, Axelrad, and Herma (1951) proposed a multi-stage model of career development. The culminating Realistic period (from age 17 on) included a substage termed "crystallization." It involved the making of a choice, during which the individual might make important compromises. In early versions of the theory, the authors assumed that progress through the stages was irreversible, but in later work, Gizberg (1972) dropped that stipulation. At any rate, other vocational psychology authors made use of the crystallization concept, but in its use it morphed a great deal. Over the years it has come to refer to a process during which vocational interests crystallize and become fairly fixed for the rest of an individual's life, or at the very least are resistant to change.

Donald Super (1980) also proposed a multi-stage career development model. His crystallization stage falls in the 14-18 age range. In it, the individual forms a general vocational goal through growing knowledge of his or her characteristics, and then begins the process of planning to move in that direction.

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