Engagement in adolescent career preparation: Social support, personality, and the development of choice decidedness and congruence
Hirschi, A., Niles, S. G., & Akos, P. (2011). Engagement in adolescent career preparation: Social support, personality, and the development of choice decidedness and congruence. Journal of Adolescence, 34, 173-182. doi: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2009.12.009
Abstract
This longitudinal panel study investigated predictors and outcomesof active engagement in career preparation among 349 Swiss adolescents from the beginning to the end of eighth grade. Latent variable structural equation modeling was applied. The results showed that engagement in terms of self- and environmental-exploration and active career planning related positively to interindividual increases in career decidedness and choice congruence. More perceived social support, early goal decidedness, and particular personality traits predicted more engagement. Support and personality impacted outcomes only mediated throughengagement.Earlydecidednessandcongruenceweresignificantpredictorsof their respective later levels. Implications for practice are presented.
