Wednesday 22 July 17:15
- 18:45
Hall: 28 - Room 6 SPT
Chair and Presenter:
Dik Bryan
Co-Chair:
Rottinghaus Patrick
Discussant:
Lee Hang-Shim
Division: Division 16: Counseling Psychology
As vocational psychology looks toward the future, a key opportunity lies in transdisciplinary collaboration. This symposium will examine opportunities, challenges, and practical examples of how vocational psychology research and practice can engage productively with other disciplines to address complex societal systems shaping work and career development. The topic is a strategic priority for the field and aligns directly with one of the four ICAP 2026 themes. Although transdisciplinary collaboration is closely related to (and distinct from) multi-, cross-, and interdisciplinary work, these distinctions will be briefly clarified without detracting from the central message: multiple forms of collaboration can advance vocational psychology's impact.
Following a brief introduction by the co-chairs, Bryan Dik (Colorado State University, USA) will share practical lessons learned from a 15-year journey building deep transdisciplinary collaborations across diverse research and applied contexts. Next, Mary McMahan (University of Queensland, Australia) will highlight vocational psychology's role as a transdisciplinary partner in advancing sustainable development. She will show how vocational psychology can contribute to interconnected solutions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Third, Peter McIlveen (University of Southern Queensland, Australia) will explore vocational psychology's contributions to industrial research efforts that strengthen career pipelines for vital occupations facing skill shortages, including examples of influence on curricula and pedagogy. Fourth, Jason Wang (Inflection Points Therapy, Washington, D.C., USA) will describe integrating vocational psychology into private practice, moving beyond traditional career counseling toward an approach that addresses the intersection of career development, well-being, and mental health. Finally, Patrick Rottinghaus (University of Missouri-Columbia, USA) will present transdisciplinary research on elementary STEAM learning through project-based activities involving collaborations with school leaders and community organizations.
Discussant Hang-Shim Lee (Konkuk University, South Korea), Chair of the Society for Vocational Psychology, will synthesize themes, offer conclusions, and outline a path forward for transdisciplinary influence in the field.
