Abstract
M.A. (Psychology)
The aim of this study is the development of a career program to promote career maturity in standard eight pupils. In order to achieve the aim of the study a development research model was conceptualised. The model is based on Thomas (1984) four-phase model and consists of the following phases: analysis, design,
implementation and evaluation phases. In each of these phases a number of methodologies were conducted to meet the requirements of each phase. In the design phase a deviation was made from Thomas (1984) methodology and the methodologies used by Nel and Nel (1992) was implemented to fit the needs of the study. In the first phase the analysis phase a problem was identified and analyzed by
using qualitative and quantitative analysis. In the design phase a practice model was conceptualised which serves as an explication model within which the contents' of the career maturity program could be justified. Out of this explication model and theoretical
framework the contents of the programme was determined. In the implementation phase of the research model the program was applied and monitoring evaluation was done by the researcher. The implementing of the programme resulted in a number of
modifications of the programme because of certain problems that were picked up by the researcher. The evaluation of the programme fell mainly on monitoring evaluation that was done by the researcher in the implementing of the program. The main finding of the research was that the program does promote career maturity in standard eight pupils but it is necessary to do further research on the impact evaluation of the programme.