Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) Practice Test 2025 - Free EPPP Practice Questions and Study Guide

In Tiedeman and O'Hara's career development model, the anticipation and preoccupation phases emphasize the importance of finding a balance between integration and differentiation. During these phases, individuals are actively engaged in understanding their identity and how it relates to their desired career path. The idea of integration relates to bringing together various aspects of the self—values, interests, and skills—while differentiation focuses on distinguishing one’s unique attributes and how they fit into the broader context of the world of work.

This concept is pivotal as individuals navigate through their choices, attempting to harmonize their personal identity with external career opportunities. Achieving a balance allows for a more comprehensive approach to career decision-making, where both self-concept and external realities are considered. While self-awareness, external standards, and family needs can play roles in career choices, the central theme of the anticipation and preoccupation phases is the interplay of integration and differentiation as individuals prepare for their future career decisions.