Abstract
Purpose. This study explored the possibility that personal psychological orientations (thinking styles) contribute to success in the Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN) Program. The study attempted to find psychological explanations for an individual's success in progressing toward self-sufficiency. The study attempted to discover if there were significant differences in the thinking styles of respondents perceived as being most successful in meeting GAIN program objectives and respondents perceived as being least successful. Methodology. One hundred percent of GAIN participants in Santa Barbara County were surveyed using the Life Styles Inventory 1-A instrument (Lafferty 1989). In addition, one hundred percent of GAIN registrants deferred from participation in GAIN or no-shows for orientation; and, those exempt or discontinued due to employment were surveyed. GAIN participants were classified as most successfully progressing, least successfully progressing, and "all others" according to criteria developed by Santa Barbara County GAIN program officials. This study examined the relationship between thinking style and group membership and the relationship between several demographic variables and group membership using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings and Conclusions. Respondents have a strong people-oriented thinking style and a relatively low task-oriented thinking style. Respondents did not exhibit low self-esteem or feelings of helplessness. Nor did they evidence a predisposition toward dependency or avoidance. Respondents had only moderate scores on the Achievement thinking style, which LSI authors claim is the strongest indicator of success in business and industry careers. No significant differences were found in any thinking style based on group membership. What emerges is a single thinking style shared by all groups. Various demographic variables were found to be significantly related to thinking style and group membership. Recommendations. Respondents need to develop a greater task-orientation. Interventions that foster the mindful involvement of welfare recipients in the pursuit of self-sufficiency are necessary. Support services should offer recipients new opportunities to grow and test their skills. Support services should not encourage routinization but should increase recipients belief that they can and will be working in the near future.