Social cognitive career theory (SCCT; Lent, Brown, & Hackett, 1994) seeks to explain the factors that shape educational and vocational interests and choices. We used meta-analytic path analyses to synthesize data (from 1981 to 2008) relevant to SCCT's interest and choice hypotheses, organizing the literature according to Holland's (1997) broad…

The predictive utility of social cognitive career theory's (SCCT) interest and choice models was examined in a sample of 600 Portuguese high school students. Participants completed measures of occupational self-efficacy, outcome expectations, interests, social supports and barriers, and choice consideration across the six Holland (1997) RIASEC…

Three analyses of data from 51 men and 178 women were conducted. Confirmatory factor analysis of self-efficacy beliefs and self-rated abilities supported a two-factor model. LISREL estimates of self-efficacy beliefs were more highly related to interests than were self-rated abilities. Relationship of self-rated abilities to interests was…

Italian high school students (n=796) completed measures related to Social Cognitive Career Theory and Holland's personality types. Findings supported hypotheses that self-efficacy and outcome expectations predict interests. Whether the mediation effect of interests was full or partial varied across types. Social supports/barriers related to career…

Presents a social cognitive framework based on Bandura's theory for understanding three aspects of career development: development of career interests, academic and career choices, and performance and persistence. Focus is on how self-efficacy, expected outcome, and goal interrelate with gender, context, and experiential factors. (SK)

Anchored in Bandura's social cognition theory, this framework focuses on the interplay among self-efficacy, expectations, and goals in enabling individuals to act on their career development. The interaction of sociocognitive variables with personal/environmental characteristics and school-to-work transition is described. (SK)

Provides an overview of a social cognitive framework for understanding career interest, choice, and performance processes. Features several variables (self-efficacy, outcome expectations, personal goals) through which people help to guide their own career development. Discusses how these variables interrelate with other aspects of persons (e.g.,…

Interviews with students at a state university (n=19) and technical college (n=12) showed that interests and work-related experiences frequently influenced career choices. Financial and social support factors impeded or supported choice implementation. Differences in perceived influences on choice and implementation may be related to environmental…

We explored the ''idiothetic'' cognitive structure of RIASEC occupational percepts in a sample of Italian middle and high school students over a one year period, examining the possible bidirectional linkages between cognitive-vocational structure, involvement in career exploration activities, and exposure to authoritative parenting style. The…

Explored the relation of self-efficacy beliefs to inventoried vocational interests in 70 science and engineering students in a career planning course, using the Strong-Campbell Interest Inventory and measures of perceived ability to complete the educational requirements of science and engineering fields. Findings indicated significant correlations…

Considers social cognitive career theory as a point from which to view the school-to-work transition process. Focuses on developmentally linked themes that unfold throughout school years. Emphasis on these themes (formation of self-efficacy and outcome beliefs, interest development, interest-goal linkages, translation of goals into action,…