Predictors of Generalized Indecision Among Portuguese Secondary School Students

Abstract

Career indecision is a complex phenomenon and there is evidence that undecided individuals do not constitute a homogenous group. Although there is some controversy about the different types of career undecided individuals, there has been a relative consensus that simple or developmental indecision, which corresponds to a developmentally appropriate exploration of alternatives, can be distinguished from generalized indecision, which reflects difficulties in the decision-making process in other aspects of the individuals' lives. Although generalized indecision as been associated with high levels of anxiety, external locus of control, low self-esteem, low levels of psychological separation towards parents, and inadequate identity formation, studies of the construct have been limited by small sample sizes. The present study examined the contributions of the above predictors to generalized indecision with a sample of 345 secondary school students. Overall, the regression equation accounted for 50% of the variance in generalized indecision scores and trait anxiety emerged as the strongest single predictor. Implications for career counseling are discussed.

University Students’ Career Choice and Emotional Well-Being

“…This could include the lack of information needed to make a decision, the lack of clear sense of self as to what type of occupations are suitable, the lack of motive to think it through, the lack of recognition of the importance of career, and etc. Previous studies found that career indecision is associated with different emotional and personality factors (e.g., Fuqua, Blum, & Hartman, 1988;Santos, 2001;Saunders, Peterson, Sampson, & Reardon, 2000). In particular, negative intra-individual variables have been linked with individuals who report significantly higher levels of career indecision (Kelly & Lee, 2002).…”

“…During career decision-making process, career decidedness/indecision has received the most attention which is concerned with the difficulties preventing individuals from making a career decision (Kelly & Lee, 2005;Santos, 2001).Some individuals are labeled as undecided who experience only temporary or developmental career decisionmaking difficulties, while others are considered as indecisive who suffer from more chronic and pervasive difficulties, due to emotional or personality-related reasons (Kelly &Pulver, 2003;Meldahl&Muchinsky, 1997;Osipow, 1999). This could include the lack of information needed to make a decision, the lack of clear sense of self as to what type of occupations are suitable, the lack of motive to think it through, the lack of recognition of the importance of career, and etc.…”

Unpacking the role of self-esteem in career uncertainty: A self-determination perspective

“…One important individual difference factor that can explain different levels of career uncertainty across students is self-esteem. Previous research findings consistently suggested that there is a significant and positive link between career indecision and lower self-esteem (Creed, Prideaux, & Patton, 2005;Germeijs & De Boeck, 2002;Santos, 2001;Shea, Ma, Yeh, Lee, & Pituc, 2009). Moreover, a meta-analytic study indicated that the largest effects on career decision self-efficacy is a self-concept variable, i.e., self-esteem, among several personal variables (Choi et al, 2012).…”

Five-Factor Personality Characteristics and Self-Esteem as Predictors of Personal Indecisiveness

“…Some people can make such decisions quite easily without facing any difficulties, whereas others encounter difficulties and indecisiveness, and sometimes need professional assistance (Amir & Gati, 2006;Campbell & Cellini, 1981;Gati & Asher, 2001;Gati, Krausz, & Osipow, 1996). Hence, indecisiveness (personal indecisiveness) is discussed as an important issue (Germeijs, Verschueren, & Soenens, 2006;Santos, 2001).…”