The Importance of Achievement Goals and Attitudes Towards Education for Explaining Adolescents' Career Decision Self-Efficacy

Abstract

Previous research has acknowledged the relevance of individuals' perception of own abilities related to the vocational domain, namely career decision self-efficacy beliefs, for their professional success. In the present study, such beliefs were examined among a group of high school seniors who are facing the process of choosing what professional path to pursue after high school. In addition, students' achievement goals and attitudes towards education were also explored. Results indicate mastery approach, performance avoidance and work avoidance goals, as well as participation in extracurricular activities and attitudes towards education, as significant predictors of career decision self-efficacy. Findings indicate the relevance of academic experiences for the development of career decision self-efficacy and provide novel evidence regarding the complex relationship between individuals' educational and vocational considerations, and may be informative for designing future vocational guidance interventions targeted at adolescents transitioning into colleges or the job market, or individuals undergoing similar occupational transitions.