This study is built on three career development theories: Life Span Theory (Donald E. Super, 1955), Circumscription and Compromise Career Theory (Lindu Gottfredson, 2002) and Career Construction and Compromise Career Theory (Mark Savickas, 2005.
Rannsóknin var unnin út frá Lífsskeiðskenningu (Life–Span theory) Donald E. Super (1955), Starfsþróunarkenningu (Circumscription and Compromise Career Theory) Lindu Gottfredson (2002) og hugsmíðakenningu (Career Construction Theory) Mark Savickas (2005) þar er upp með að starfsþróun einstaklinga mótist alla ævi.