Group-based Life Design Counseling in an Italian context

This study examined the effectiveness of group-based Life Design Counseling using the Career-Story Interview. Written exercises were used to implement the seven topics in the Career-Story Interview. The present study employed an experimental design that involved two groups of Italian entrepreneurs from the agricultural and trade sectors, namely an experimental group (38 participants) who received Life Design Counseling (Savickas, 2010) and a control group (34 participants). The results showed a decrease in career decision-making difficulties (Lack of Information and Inconsistent Information) and an increase in career decision-making self-efficacy in the experimental group thus suggesting the value of group-based Life Design Counseling.

► We examine the value of group-based Life Design Counseling.
► We use written exercises to implement the Career-Story Interview.
► We find a decrease in career decision-making difficulties.
► Career decision-making self-efficacy in the experimental increased.
► Group-based interventions may improve clients’ chances to design successful lives.