Future Aspirations of Young Women With Disabilities: An Examination of Social Cognitive Career Theory

Abstract

<jats:p> Young women with disabilities face multiple barriers that limit their career pathways. Little research has been conducted to examine how cognitive constructs of career self-efficacy and outcome expectations contribute to their future aspirations. This study examined direct relationships between career self-efficacy and outcome expectations on future aspirations, mediating effects of autonomy and self-realization on these relationships, and moderating effects of mental health on these links for young women with disabilities. Although existing research on social cognitive career theory has focused on career self-efficacy, results from this study indicated that outcome expectations might have an even stronger influence on future aspirations. Mental health barriers negatively impact future aspirations of the study’s sample. Limitations and implications for research and practice were discussed. </jats:p>

Utilizing Social Cognitive Career Theory to Enhance the Self-Efficacy and Outcome Expectations of Students with Disabilities Through Career Development

“…The researchers furthered their investigation by including the impact of mental health barriers on future aspirations among young women with disabilities. The results indicated a positive association between efficacy, expectations, and future aspirations; and indicated that outcome expectations had both direct and indirect effects on future aspirations, while autonomy and self-realization demonstrated only a marginal connection with future aspirations (Pham et al, 2020). The results also showed lower levels of future aspirations for participants with mental health barriers than participants without mental health barriers (Pham et al, 2020).…”

“…The results indicated a positive association between efficacy, expectations, and future aspirations; and indicated that outcome expectations had both direct and indirect effects on future aspirations, while autonomy and self-realization demonstrated only a marginal connection with future aspirations (Pham et al, 2020). The results also showed lower levels of future aspirations for participants with mental health barriers than participants without mental health barriers (Pham et al, 2020). The past research we present highlights the importance of including various and specific career activities for students with disabilities from a K–12 perspective, including opportunities for school counselors (Doren & Kang, 2016; Hitchings et al, 2001).…”

“…The researchers stressed the importance of increased social support and understanding of self-concept factors for students who have low career decision self-efficacy. In another recent empirical study, Pham et al (2020) explored how the relationship between self-efficacy and outcome expectations influenced future aspirations for young women with disabilities, and examined interceding effects of autonomy and self-realization. The researchers furthered their investigation by including the impact of mental health barriers on future aspirations among young women with disabilities.…”

Mental Health of Female Adolescents With Disabilities: Considerations for Career Development

“…Anxiety (Maldonado et al, 2013) and depression (Gayman et al, 2011) have also been linked to lower levels of self-realization. Studies with samples of female adolescents with disabilities, in particular, have also found that mental health concerns tend to be negatively correlated with self-realization and negatively impact postsecondary aspirations (Pham et al, 2020). Despite the negative impact of mental health concerns on self-determination and postsecondary transition and higher prevalence of mental health concerns among female youth with disabilities, no study to date has examined the longitudinal impact of mental health concerns on self-determination skills among this population.…”

Transformational Leadership and Perceived Overqualification: A Career Development Perspective

“…Transformational leadership focuses on long-term interests, motivates employees’ potential, provides development opportunities and support for employees, and improves employees’ expectation of results. Some studies have shown that outcome expectations might have an important influence on employees ( Pham et al, 2020 ). Thus, this study proposes that transformational leadership can improve the career growth opportunities of employees.…”