Factors influencing adolescents' career aspirations: a perspective from Hong Kong

Abstract

This study was designed to explore adolescents’ educational and career aspirations. The Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) was used as a framework, and the variables were selected with empirical and theoretical support for their possible significance to the career aspirations of Hong Kong high school students. Two separate studies were conducted. In study I, the Chinese Career Aspiration Scale (CAS) and Career-Related Parent Support Scale (CRPSS) were developed. In addition, the existing Academic Development Self-Efficacy Inventory (AD-SEI) and Career Development Self-Efficacy Inventory (CD-SEI) were simplified for this study. The four measures were validated using a sample of 677 Secondary Four students. The sample was randomly divided into two sub-sets. The first sub-set was used to explore the construct validity, while the second sub-set was used for further validation. The results of the exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis suggested that the Chinese CAS was an adequate indicator for assessing Chinese high school students’ educational and career aspirations. The Chinese CRPSS also could provide an adequate indicator for assessing career-related parental support of Chinese high school students. It was also found that the AD-SEI and CD-SEI measures could be adequately represented by the simplified versions. The reliability analyses showed that the total scale and subscales were internally consistent. In study II, data were collected from 729 Secondary Four students who were asked to complete the four measures developed and tested in study I, and to provide demographic information. Correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationships between predictor and outcome variables. Hierarchical regression analyses were performed to determine the significance of each predictor variable on students’ continuing education and career achievement aspirations. The results indicated that gender and family socio-economic status were not associated with continuing education aspirations or career achievement aspirations. The students’ perceived academic achievement influenced continuing education both directly and indirectly through academic self-efficacy or career self-efficacy. However, perceived academic achievement was not associated with career achievement aspirations. Career-related parental support influenced continuing education and career achievement aspirations both directly and indirectly through academic self-efficacy or career self-efficacy. The results of this study provided an in-depth view of the perceived influences on adolescents’ continuing education and career achievement aspirations. This knowledge can help educators design better targeted and individualized career interventions. The results also provide empirical evidence in support of Social Cognitive Career Theory, in terms of the impact of contextual factor (career-related parental support) and self-efficacy, in predicting continuing education and career achievement aspirations with a Chinese sample. In addition, the Chinese versions of Career-Related Parent Support Scale and Career Aspiration Scale are viable assessment tools for researchers and guidance professionals working in the careers field. Implications for future research and career guidance practices within the Hong Kong education context are also discussed.