Affiliations: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Work and Disability Lab, Champaign, IL, USA | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, Champaign, IL, USA | University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education, Madison, WI, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: David R. Strauser, Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Work and Disability Lab, 213A Huff Hall, MC-588, 1206 South Fourth Street, Champaign, IL 61820, USA. Tel.: +1 901 481 6868; E-mail: strauser@illinois.edu
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Research with young adult cancer survivors has found that they are often lacking appropriate career development skills. As a result, they are often disconnected with the labor market and deal low levels of career readiness, low career self-efficacy, and higher rates of under and unemployment. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to describe a multi-domain model that provides a framework for conceptualizing the career development of young adult cancer survivors. METHODS: This study utilized a comprehensive review of the literature to develop a theoretical based conceptual model. RESULTS: The model emphasizes the interaction of contextual and career development domains to improve participation in the areas of work, society, community, and home. CONCLUSION: A brief discussion of potential implications regarding research, service and policy are offered with the overall goal of conceptualizing career development as a public health intervention for young adult cancer survivors and other young adults with chronic health conditions.
