Anne Roe

Anne Roe (1904-1991) developed the theory of personality development and career choice, which was her most significant scientific contribution. Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Roe graduated from the University of Denver before attending Columbia University where she graduated with her Ph.D. in experimental psychology. Roe's theory can be divided into two main categories: theoretical aspects of personality and classification of occupations. In her conceptualization of personality, Roe drew inspiration from Maslow's hierarchy of needs by incorporating the psychological needs that develop out of parent-child relationships.

Roe believed that those parent-child relationships would influence what career choice would be made based on biological, sociological and psychological differences in individuals. Her eight career classifications are as follows: 1) service, 2) business, 3) organization, 4) technology, 5) outdoor, 6) science, 7) general culture, and 8) arts & entertainment. Six levels were assigned to each classification, with the higher level being occupations with the most responsibility and ability.

Roe's theory portrayed three different parental attitudes: concentration on the child, avoidance of the child, and acceptance of the child. Concentration on the child offers two types, both overprotective and over-demanding. Avoidance of the child includes rejection or neglect. Of course, acceptance of the child involves a nurturing of independence instead of dependence and creating a relatively tension-free environment. Roe then made predictions on what occupations would be chosen relating to the type of parent attitude an individual experienced.