Examining the Role of Ethnic Identity and Meaning in Life on Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy

Abstract

In emerging adulthood, establishing a sense of self and life meaning is a key developmental task for career development. This study examined the role of ethnic identity and meaning in life in career decision self-efficacy (CDSE) among African American, Asian American, and White incoming, first-year, college students ( n = 2,470). Using hierarchical multiple regression analysis, we found that ethnic identity and meaning in life predicted between 14% and 26% of the variance in CDSE for African American, Asian American, and White students. Mediation analyses for each ethnic group revealed that the presence of life meaning mediated the relations between ethnic identity and CDSE. Ethnic identity appears to be associated with positive career development, in part, through the cultivation of life meaning for ethnically diverse college students. Implications for research and career counseling with ethnically diverse college students are discussed.

Career Decision Self‐Efficacy of Asian American Students: The Role of Curiosity and Ethnic Identity

“…Next, we developed directional hypotheses for the tested direct relationships (see Figure ), positing that curiosity would have positive relationships with both career decision self‐efficacy (Jin et al, 2009; Kashdan et al, 2009) and ethnic identity (Phinney & Ong, 2007; Schwartz et al, 2013). We also hypothesized a positive relationship between ethnic identity and career decision self‐efficacy (Lewis et al, 2018). We were especially interested in testing whether curiosity related directly or indirectly to career decision self‐efficacy through ethnic identity.…”

“…In addition, Asian American students’ awareness of their race/ethnicity, as measured by racial identity, has been positively related to their career maturity (Carter & Constantine, 2000). Lewis et al (2018) also demonstrated that ethnic identity is positively associated with Asian American students’ career decision self‐efficacy via perceived meaning in life. This finding implies that individuals with a strong sense of ethnic identity may be more likely to seek out occupational information, including information about racial/ethnic issues in the world of work, than are those with conflicted views on their ethnicity.…”

“…Thus, the present study aimed to examine whether curiosity is directly or indirectly (via ethnic identity) related to career decision self-efficacy beliefs of Asian American college students. Although prior studies (e.g., Duffy & Klingaman, 2009;Lewis et al, 2018) have linked the ethnic identities of Asian American college students to various career outcomes, the present study extends this research by simultaneously examining (a) the relationship between curiosity and career decision self-efficacy; (b) the relationships among curiosity, ethnic identity, and career decision self-efficacy; and (c) the specific, indirect ways in which curiosity relates to career decision self-efficacy as mediated by ethnic identity among Asian American college students.…”

“…These barriers can manifest as internalized stereotypes or feelings of powerlessness that limit the ability of Asian American college students to explore diverse occupations and choose careers (Shen, Liao, Abraham, & Weng, 2014). For example, a recent study showed that Asian American first‐year college students presented a lower level of career self‐efficacy than did White or African American students (Lewis, Raque‐Bogdan, Lee, & Rao, 2018). Thus, it is important to investigate how Asian American college students build a sense of competence as they navigate the myriad career choices available to them.…”

The Influence of Adolescent-Parent Career Congruence and Counselor Roles in Vocational Guidance on the Career Orientation of Students

“…One of the essential vocational services in schools is career guidance, and school counselors play a significant role in its provision, to minimize career disorientation among students that may damage their future careers. Many studies have been conducted to assess career related perspectives, which include career aspirations (Rainey & Borders, 1997), career orientation (Savickas, 1999), career maturity (Creed & Patton, 2003), career adaptability (Eryilmaz & Kara, 2017), career-related support (Michaeli, Dickson, & Shulman, 2018), career feedback (Hu, Hood, & Creed, 2018), career intention (Chan, Chen, Lin, Liao, & Lin, 2018;Guan, Jiang, Wang, Mo, & Zhu, 2017), career planning (Rogers & Creed, 2011), career decision making (Leung, Hou, Gati, & Li, 2011;Lewis, Raque-Bogdan, Lee, & Rao, 2018;Mao, Hsu, & Fang, 2017;Park Woo, Park, Kyea, & Yang, 2017;Wolfe & Betz, 2004), and career transitions (Cordeiro, Paixão, Lens, Lacante, & Luyckx, 2018). This study focuses on career orientation.…”