The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of educational choice on the intention to enter the examination, and the mediating role of career decision-making self-efficacy. A total of 1391 freshmen from six higher vocational colleges in Guangdong Province of China were investigated with Education Choices Scale, Career Decision-Making…

The aim of this study was to determine the role of university students' problem-solving skills in their career decision-making self-efficacy and vocational outcome expectations (VOE). The research study group comprised 327 female (70.6%) and 136 male (29.4%) students; a total of 463. Statistical analysis showed positive significant correlations…

The purpose of this study was to examine the predictability of selected demographic and academic variables on the career decision making process and self-efficacy of African American freshman college students. Specifically, this study was concerned with the relationship between the demographic and academic variables of gender, age, social economic…

The purpose of this study was to examine the career development of underprepared college students using relational career theory. Specifically, the constructs of family influence, locus of control, and career decision-making self-efficacy were explored as they relate to perceived success in college. Significant correlations between external locus…

The collective group of resources that are accessible to an individual because of people within his/her social network is known as social capital. Social capital becomes more valuable when an individual sees that it can help with goal achievement. This is especially true with college-aged students who are deciding on academic major, career path…

Most universities provide career development services to their students. Research on the effectiveness of these services in promoting retention and graduation is minimal and focused on global outcomes rather than differences among participants. Research to date suggests that between three and nine clusters (groups) of individuals would benefit…

Evaluated the effects of a career course for college freshmen undecided about a major or career, using the Vocational Identity, Occupational Information and Barrier scales of My Vocational Situation. Results suggested the course had a positive effect on vocational identity, independent of the personal characteristics of instructor or student. (JAC)

Examined relationship between vocational identity and academic achievement for college freshmen (n=1,290). Results did not demonstrate relationship between vocational identity scores and grade point average. Results imply that counselors using vocational identity scores to target students in greatest need of career counseling may be missing many…

Parental attachment was a more significant influence than psychological separation on the career maturity of 82 college freshmen from intact families. Those who were more attached to parents were more likely to engage in career planning and exploration. (Contains 42 references.) (SK)

Investigated the hypothesis that time perspective is a component in vocational maturity and career decision making with college freshmen (N=97). Results supported the hypothesis and specifically linked time perspective to planfulness and degree of indecision. (LLL)

Compared interpersonal characteristics and vocational certainty in 268 male and 57 female college freshmen choosing technical majors. Both males and females were found to be controlling and assertive, although women showed more traditional feminine traits as well. Women were less sure of their career choice. (JAC)

Data from 115 college freshmen under age 20 show that career maturity is not significantly related to independence from parents. Intelligence was significantly and positively related to most career maturity and independence scales for women but not for men. Men were both less career mature and more independent from their mothers than women were.…

Presents a followup study on 62 college freshmen who had declared psychology as their college major at Colorado State University. (Author)

In France, a survey of vocational maturity was carried out among students enrolling at a university for the first time. The institutional framework and purposes of the survey, population studied, main findings, and practical conclusions that might be drawn when defining objectives of guidance for new university entrants are examined. (Author/JMD)

This study examined antecedents related to low vocational identity in college freshmen. College students (N=360) completed the 35-item Low Vocational Identity Antecedents Scale (LVIAS) developed for this study, the Vocational Identity Scale (VIS), and other measures. Based on results from this sample, a 15-item LVIAS was developed that…