Racial identity, perceived barriers, coping efficacy, and career indecision among African American adolescents
Abstract
The present study utilized the social cognitive career theory (SCCT) to investigate the influence of various cultural and socio-psychological factors on career development among African American adolescents. Specifically, the study examined relationships between Black racial identity, perceived educational and career-related barriers, barrier coping efficacy, and career indecision in a sample of 139 African American adolescents who were about to enter their first year of college (94 females, 45 males; Mean age = 18.1 years). Participants were asked to complete a demographic questionnaire, the Cross Racial Identity Scale (CRIS), the Perception of Barriers Scale (POB), the Coping with Barriers Scale (CWB), and the Career Decision Scale (CDS). Data analyses were conducted using Pearson product-moment correlations and multiple regression procedures. Results supported several of the proposed research hypotheses. The Pre-Encounter Self-Hatred racial identity status significantly predicted higher levels of perceived educational and career barriers and lower levels of barrier coping efficacy. In contrast, the Internalization Multiculturalist Inclusive racial identity attitude significantly predicted higher levels of barrier coping efficacy. Barrier coping efficacy inversely predicted perception of educational and career barriers. Finally, perceived educational and career barriers positively predicted career indecision; however, this relationship was not moderated by the coping efficacy variable. The results of this study underscore the importance of cultural and socio-psychological variables in shaping career processes among African American adolescents and support the cultural validity and specificity of the SCCT model. Empirical and practical implications for understanding and facilitating African American career development, methodological limitations of the study, and future research directions are discussed.
Subject Area
Black studies|Counseling Psychology|Vocational education|African American Studies
Recommended Citation
Leon, Cesar Augusto, "Racial identity, perceived barriers, coping efficacy, and career indecision among African American adolescents" (2010). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI3373827.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI3373827
