Influences and Processes in Theoretical Orientation Development: A Grounded Theory Pilot Study

Abstract

A grounded theory approach was used to establish a model of the influences and processes that are involved in the theoretical orientation development of licensed marriage and family therapists. The findings of the study indicate that the process involves an interaction between ten categories of influence subsumed under personal and the professional domains. While identifying the influences and their larger domains, the authors also explore how each of the categories is influential based on participant interviews. Implications for supervision, training, and professional development are discussed.