ERIC Number: ED520600
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2010
Pages: 126
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: ISBN-978-1-1242-1858-8
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Promoting Viable Career Choice Goals through Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy and Career Maturity in Inner-City High School Students: A Test of Social Cognitive Career Theory
Conkel Ziebell, Julia Louise
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Minnesota
In an effort to understand the viability of inner-city adolescents' career choice goals, the purpose of this study was to predict relationships among person factors, environmental factors, career maturity, career decision-making self-efficacy, vocational outcome expectations, and viable career choice goals within this population. I predicted that greater career maturity and stronger support systems would significantly predict career decision-making self-efficacy and vocational outcome expectations. In turn, I hypothesized career decision-making self-efficacy and positive vocational outcome expectations would positively predict viable career choice goals among inner-city adolescents. Participants in this study were 220 10th through 12th grade inner-city adolescents, with a mean age of 16.33. Participants were recruited from a large metropolitan public school in the Midwestern United States. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire and five research measures: the "Career Decision Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form" (CDSE-SF; Betz & Klein, 1996; Betz, Hammond, & Multon, 2005), the "Structured Career Development Inventory" (SCDI; Lapan, 2004), the "Career Maturity Inventory-Attitudes Screening Form A-2" (CMI-A2; Crites, 1978), the "Vocational Outcome Expectations-Revised" (VOE-R; McWhirter & Metheny, 2009), and the "Perceptions of Barriers Scale" (POB; McWhirter, 1997). Results of structural equation modeling suggest that environmental supports (e.g., career maturity, proactivity, career exploration, perception of fewer barriers, instrumental and emotional support) were positively related to inner-city youths' efficacy to make career decisions as well as the expected outcomes of these career decisions. In line with Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT), career decision-making self-efficacy and vocational outcome expectations were positively related to career choice goals, such that inner-city adolescents with greater levels of career decision-making self-efficacy, more positive vocational outcome expectations, and higher levels of proactivity and academic achievement endorsed viable career choice goals. The need for improved early career interventions addressing career goal-setting is described. Limitations, implications, and recommendations for future research and practice are also outlined. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Vocational Maturity, Structural Equation Models, Self Efficacy, Career Choice, Adolescents, Measures (Individuals), Grade 12, Career Exploration, Decision Making, Metropolitan Areas, Questionnaires, Barriers, Social Support Groups, Student Attitudes, Correlation, Academic Achievement, Intervention
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Grade 12; High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Career Decision Making Self Efficacy Scale; Career Development Inventory; Career Maturity Inventory
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A