Career adaptability development in adolescence: Multiple predictors and effect on sense of power and life satisfaction

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This longitudinal panel study investigated predictors of career adaptability development and its effect on development of sense of power and experience of life satisfaction among 330 Swiss eighth graders. A multivariate measure of career adaptability consisting of career choice readiness, planning, exploration, and confidence was applied. Based on Motivational Systems Theory four groups of predictors were assessed: positive emotional disposition, goal decidedness, capability beliefs and social context beliefs. Influence of gender, age, immigration background, parental educational level, and college-bound or vocational education plans were also assessed. Perceived social support and positive emotional disposition, non-immigration background, and continuing to vocational education were single significant predictors of more career adaptability development over the school year. Supporting the connection of career adaptability and positive youth development, increase in career adaptability over time predicted increase in sense of power and experience of life satisfaction.
Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Vocational Behavior
Volume74
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)145-155
Number of pages11
ISSN0001-8791
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 04.2009
Externally publishedYes