Selecting a Single Vector from Chickering and Reisser’s Seven

Developing Purpose

Arthur Chickering (1969) proposed seven vectors of development that contribute to identity formation. Working with Linda Reisser, Chickering revised his theory to incorporate new findings from newly developed research (Patton, Renn, Guido, & Quaye, 2016). Using the term “vectors” is intentional because it conveys that progression is not necessarily linear and individuals, more specifically students, will move through these vectors at different rates and even simultaneously (Patton et al., 2016). An abbreviated summation of Chickering and Reisser’s (1993) seven vectors is:

1. Developing Competence: Intellectual & interpersonal competence, physical & manual skills
2. Managing Emotions: Recognize and accept emotions and appropriately express and control them
3. Moving Through Autonomy Toward Interdependence: Increase emotional freedom
4. Developing Mature Interpersonal Relationships: Develop intercultural and interpersonal tolerance; create healthy, intimate relationships
5. Establishing Identity: Acknowledge differences in identity development based on gender, ethnic background and sexual orientation
6. Developing Purpose: Develop career goals, make commitments to personal interests and activities, establish strong interpersonal commitments
7. Developing Integrity: Humanize, personalize values and develop congruence

While each vector is worth exploring, I am most interested in the sixth vector, developing purpose, because it is the most elusive, yet omnipresent. I am incessantly considering my career aspirations and interests. Also, with the demands of school and work I have to make more concerted efforts to continue cultivating my personal interests and activities while also developing new ones. Without purpose one feels aimless. Being aimless terrifies me. Furthermore, the sixth vector’s focus on establishing strong interpersonal commitments is of particular importance to me as well. Meaningful connection completely enhances everything I do, so nurturing those relationships is essential to my happiness and continued growth. Lastly, as someone who works in career services, developing purpose is essential to students who are exploring their own sense of purpose. With this in mind, I want to continue exploring how I can be good company to students who are exploring or developing their purpose, especially while I am doing the same. 

References:

Chickering, A.W., & Reisser, L. (1993). Education and identity (2nd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Patton, L. D., Renn, K. A., Guido, F. M., & Quaye, S. J. (2016). Student development in college: Theory, research, and practice. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.