Predictors of generalized indecision among Portuguese secondary school students.

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2001

Authors

Santos, Paulo Jorge (Author) FLUP

Journal

Title: Journal of Career Assessment

Vol. 9 No. 4

Pages: 381-396

ISSN: 1069-0727

Publisher: SAGE

Indexing

ISI Web of Science

Scientific classification

FOS: Social sciences > Other social sciences

Other information

DOI: 10.1177/106907270100900405

Abstract (EN): 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.

Language: Portuguese

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific