Interview data on encouragement and discouragement for achievement-related behaviour were obtained from two groups: career women (n = 100), and traditional women (n ~ 100). Following the 20 minutes interview periods, the participants described their achievement-related experiences on 7-point scales. Career women reported more statistically significant encouragement from family members and significant others than did their traditional counterparts. There was no causal relationship between encouragement and career goals in the two groups of women.