The 7 vectors

In the second edition of his book, Education and Identity (1993), Chickering revisits his Seven Vectors of Student Development with the help if Linda Reisser. They set up their theoretical framework with the following statement about how educators and student affairs professionals can use student development theory:

"We cannot easily discern what subtle mix of people, books, settings, or events promotes growth. Nor can we easily name changes in ways of thinking, feeling, or interpreting the world. But we can observe behavior and record words, both of which can reveal shifts from hunch to analysis, from simple to complex perceptions, from divisive bias to compassionate understanding. Theory can give us the lenses to see these changes and help them along" (1993, p. 43).

The Seven Vectors (1993): "We propose the seven vectors as maps to help us determine where students are and which way they are heading" (Chickering & Reisser, 1993, p. 34).

1. Developing Competence
   
2. Managing Emotions
   
3. Moving Through Autonomy Towards Interdependence
   
4. Developing Mature Interpersonal Relationships
   
5. Establishing Identity
   
6. Developing Purpose
   
7. Developing Integrity