The Role of Perceived Parental Influences on the Career Self-Efficacy of College Students

This project explored the relationship between perceived parental influences and the career selfefficacy of college students. Previous research related to college student development, parental influences, and career development is presented in order to assess the current body of literature and provide rationale for the present research project. In addition, the author conducted a survey with undergraduate college students to better understand the role that parents play in their career development. Parental influences were found to be positively correlated with students’ career self-efficacy. General supportive parenting behaviors seemed more significant than careerspecific parenting behaviors. One specific behavior was found to be predictive of students’ career self-efficacy. Results are discussed, and implications for counselors are presented. PARENTAL INFLUENCES ON CAREER SELF-EFFICACY 5 The Role of Perceived Parental Influences on the Career Self-Efficacy of College Students The college years are a time of significant exploration and development of individuals (Evans, Forney, & Guido-DiBrito, 1998). Individuals are attending college at a time when they are subsequently in the process of developing autonomy, competence, and identity (Chickering, 1969; Chickering & Reisser, 1993). It is a time when individuals begin to formulate their identity and gain a greater sense of their selves. One aspect of their identity development is that of their career. The college experience provides students with the opportunity to help develop and prepare for their careers and futures. Presumably, many college students will be faced with challenging decisions regarding their career development during college and thereafter. Young adulthood is typically a crucial time for career decision-making and development (Whiston, & Keller, 2004). It is a time when there is the potential for certain factors and variables to either enhance or detract from college students’ experience, particularly with regards to their career development. It may be imperative to examine the relational influences on the career factors of these individuals (Schultheiss, 2003; Splete, & Freeman-George, 1985). With regards to these relational influences on career development, establishing the influence of the family may be imperative to better understanding the intricacies of career development (Vondracek, Lerner, & Schulenberg, 1986). Families, parents in particular, may play a major role in the occupational and career aspirations of their children. The purpose of this research project is to explore the association between perceived parental influences and the career self-efficacy of college students. First, the overall development of students during college will be explored in relation to career development to determine the PARENTAL INFLUENCES ON CAREER SELF-EFFICACY 6 issues that may be specific to this population. Next, the parental influence on the development of college students will be discussed to provide support for the overall level of influence of parents on their children’s lives. Then, previous research will be reviewed on the parental influence with regards to different aspects of career decision-making of college students. Lastly, the results of the study will be analyzed in an effort to better understand the relationship between career development and parental influences and the implications. Review of Literature The college experience is a time of self-exploration and growth, where many traditionalage college students experience greater independence, increased decision-making, and a shifting of roles (Hinkelman, & Luzzo, 2007). Previous research related to college student development, parental influences, and career development will be analyzed in order to assess the current body of literature and provide rationale for the present research project. First, the body of literature on psychosocial development and the interaction between psychosocial development and career development will be discussed. Second, research will be examined with regards to the role parents play in the overall development of their children during college. Lastly, the literature around the role of parental influence on college students’ career decision-making will be discussed. Definitions For the purpose of this research project, the definitions of the succeeding terms are as