Researchers hold numerous perceptions of the educational aspirations and future career choices of teenage girls. Studies argue that factors such as the curriculum, teachers' and parents' attitudes, the impact of HIV/AIDS, and teenage pregnancy, influence girls' future educational and occupational hopes and dreams either positively or negatively. Other researchers claim that learners' career choice is limited by their potential and school performance. The existing literature also suggests that girls have lower self-esteem and levels of achievement than boys. This research seeks to gain insight into high school girls' perceived academic and vocational prospects. The research was carried out in an interpretive paradigm. Six secondary school female learners from one school participated in the study. Semistructured interviews were the core method of data collection, supplemented by questionnaires and a focus group interview. As teenagers, the girls were expected to already have started to think about their future hopes and dreams. The findings revealed that all the girls seemed to experience school as a place where they could acquire knowledge about what they needed to make them autonomous and successful in adult life. For them, their parents remained their major significant others. They regarded fear of poverty as a major factor motivating them to achieve their educational and vocational aspirations. Peer pressure appeared not to be a major determinant of these girls' successes in school. The girls believed that there is a relationship between their academic performance and their future vocational choice. In addition, the girls did not see boys as a threat to their climbing the ladder of success.

M.Ed. (Subject Didactics) / In a formal education situation pupils are accompanied to reach proper adulthood. On their way to adulthood new demands are continually made and adults-in-the-making are expected to conform. For example a standard seven pupil is expected to choose his final study course, a selection of subjects and the grade or level on which the effects to take his chosen subjects. This situation in which the standard seven pupil of necessity finds himself, in which he has to make these choices, is such that he is forced to make a decision and that there is no other way out. As a result of the far-reaching implications this decision has on the future of the pupil, it is of imperative that pupils should be able to weigh all the possible alternatives. Only then the actualisation of their choice will be significant and could be justified educationally. In view of the fact that most standard seven pupils find themselves in adolescence, the point of departure of this study is that pupils will also be, as far their choice of subjects is concerned,' in need of assistance and support. Because of the fact that pupils will most probably be influenced by a great many factors, it might pose a problem taking a decision as to their choice of subjects. Consequently, specific determinants which might have an influence in the opting of pupils for Biology have been identified and will be explored in this study.

M.A. (Psychology) / The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the career decisions of Black rural and urban high school students. Holland's (1985) structural-interactive career theory was decided upon as the main theoretical base. The reason for this decision is based on the simplicity of the theory as well as the fact that research into the applicability of the theory to Black South Africans is needed. Holland's theory (1985) is based on the assumption that all people and work environments can be characterised into one of six types; namely the Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising and Conventional. Each is dominated by certain likes and dislikes as well as certain attitudes and skills. Based on this theory is the Self-Directed Search (50S) which is used to indicate the resemblance of the person to each of the six types. The SNUG guide to career choice workbook (Scheepers, 1996) which is based on the 50S, was used in this study to investigate career choices. The nature of the study can be classified as empirical involving the use of quantitative data-collection methods. The research design and the paradigm of the study can be typified as quasi-experimental. The sample consisted of 144 grade 12 Black high school students. Two schools within the Northern Province region in Giyani and two schools from Gauteng province in Soweto participated. There are two main groups namely the rural (Giyani) and urban (Soweto) groups. The SNUG workbook included a biographical section together with a brief exploration of how an individual chooses his or her career.

Professional school counselors frequently use career interest inventories as part of a comprehensive guidance program to help students create a post-secondary school plan. The present study evaluates the validity of three commonly used interest inventories, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Self-Directed Search, and Strong Interest Inventory on field of study choice for graduating high school seniors (N = 616) from a large, suburban high school in Texas. Students identified their intended postsecondary field of study category, were randomly assigned using stratification to three groups, and each group completed a different inventory. Group membership was evaluated to establish covariate balance on a wide variety of indicators. Data from each group was evaluated to determine the extent to which the inventory predicted the chosen field of study, as well as Other and Undeclared categories using logistic regression models. None of the inventory models suggest that the inventory accurately predicts Other or Undeclared outcomes. For students selecting intended postsecondary fields of study, the Self Directed Search predicts such outcomes better than other measures. Professional school and career counselors should consider the SDS in addition to narrative counseling strategies to add greater precision with career decision making among clients and students.

There is a lack of research based data in the field of learning disabilities, especially at the secondary level. The purpose of this study was to evaluate personality configuration patterns and vocational interests through the administration of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Abbreviated Version (AV) and the Self-Directed Search, Form E (EASY) for learning disabled (LD) and non-learning disabled (NLD) students. The sample included 90 LD students and 100 Non-LD students grades 9 through 12 in a large suburban school system. Research questions considered: (1) differences in personality and vocational interest between LD and NLD students; (2) age and gender of LD and NLD students in relationship to vocational interests; (3) relationship between personality patterns and vocational interests between LD and NLD students. Treatment of the data used both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. Analyses relied on categorical data, and the chi-square test was the statistical test used. Demographics provided data on groups regarding ability level and reading achievement scores related to occupational preferences and gender characteristics. Results indicated that no significant personality differences existed between LD and NLD adolescents. It was found, after looking at all possible interactions between vocational preferences and personality, age, grade, and gender, that significant differences occurred with gender and vocational preferences for both LD/NLD groups. Additionally, EI and TF differences in vocational preferences existed for LD and NLD students. EI and TF differences between LD and NLD career preference showed LD I's and T's prefer mechanical careers, whereas NLD I's and T's prefer teaching and sales. This is correlated with gender preference of LD males for mechanical (non interactive careers), whereas NLD prefer interactive careers / Ed. D.

No description available.

This study analyzed the amount of variance in employment interests of a sample of poor women that may be attributed to self-esteem, locus of control, and exposure to nontraditional occupations and the interaction among these variables. A stratified random sample was selected from a population of 1172 participants enrolled in the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) in seven sites in Virginia. The selected sites were representative of geographic and economic areas in the state. Two of the independent variables were measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Rotter Locus of Control Scale. Demographic data and the variables of exposure to nontraditional occupations and employment interests were measured using the Employment Interests and Experiences Interview Schedule designed by the researcher. Data were collected by the paraprofessionals in each unit using the EFNEP records and through face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics were reported and multiple regression procedures were utilized to analyze the data. The conclusions drawn were that the poor women in the sample were heterogeneous, had relatively high education and employment aspirations, and had low self-esteem. These women need more exposure to nontraditional occupations and they expressed a willingness to consider such careers. Poor women such as those in this study need a combination of support services to successfully make the transition to the workforce. For this group exposure to nontraditional occupations and higher self-esteem increased interest in nontraditional careers. Those with a higher self-esteem were also more likely to be interested in nonsex-typed occupations. Programs that serve poor women may need to broaden their scope to match the needs of heterogeneous groups. These women also require indepth career counseling to help them understand the range and scope of occupations that are available, especially those that are nontraditional for their gender. Recommendations for further research which may expand the knowledge base about the employment interests of poor women are given. This research could contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty that affects an increasing portion of our population. / Ed. D.

The problem of this study was to determine the relationship of the self concept, ideal self concept, values, and parental self concept to the vocational aspiration of adolescent Negro males.

A escolha profissional envolve um processo de integração de um conjunto de variáveis sociais, econômicas e culturais, bem como de características pessoais, como por exemplo, os interesses vocacionais. Assim, estudos voltados à caracterização da clientela de serviços de Orientação Vocacional/Profissional têm sido considerados relevantes objetivando a ampliação da compreensão dos interesses e motivações da população atendida e o planejamento de intervenções eficazes. A presente pesquisa objetivou investigar a estrutura de interesses profissionais de jovens que procuraram auxílio especializado em um serviço de Orientação Profissional, por meio do Teste de Fotos de Profissões BBT-Br. Especificamente, este estudo realizou: (a) delineamento do perfil sociodemográfico dos clientes; (b) comparação dos resultados do BBT-Br de uma amostra clínica com os resultados do estudo de padronização para adolescentes brasileiros; e (c) um estudo complementar, comparando os resultados do BBT-Br de uma amostra clínica composta por jovens da 3ª série do Ensino Médio com os resultados de uma amostra não clínica de mesma escolaridade. Os dados foram levantados a partir dos registros dos atendimentos realizados pelo serviço-escola de uma universidade pública no estado de São Paulo, Brasil, em um período de seis anos. Foram analisados os protocolos de 532 jovens entre 14 a 21 anos de idade, do sexo masculino e feminino, provenientes de escolas públicas e particulares, que foram atendidos no período de 2003 a 2008, e que realizaram, durante o processo de Orientação Vocacional/Profissional, o BBT-Br. No estudo complementar foram analisados 615 protocolos do BBT-Br, comparando-se um grupo clínico (n=118) a um não clínico (n=497). A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio de procedimentos estatísticos: análises descritivas, testes t de Student, análise de variância (ANOVA) em duas vias e contrastes, com nível de significância menor ou igual a 0,05. A caracterização sociodemográfica da amostra evidenciou a predominância do sexo feminino (70,1%), de alunos da 3ª série do Ensino Médio (58,8%), provenientes de escolas privadas (74,1%). Observou-se que 90,2% dos clientes concluíram o atendimento e 87,6% participaram do atendimento em grupo. Nos resultados do BBT-Br, observou-se que as estruturas de interesses dos grupos clínicos assemelham-se aos dados normativos. Entre o sexo feminino, predominam os fatores S(h), G e O, indicando preferência por atividades relacionadas à ajuda, estudos e comunicação. No sexo masculino, predominam S(e), G e V, evidenciando interesses relacionados a dinamismo, estudos e racionalidade. Esses perfis podem ilustrar diferenças de gênero no comportamento de escolha, relacionadas à expectativa de papeis socialmente construídos e ao contexto histórico e cultural. A análise comparativa dos índices de produtividade demonstrou que os os grupos clínicos (excetuando-se os adolescentes do sexo masculino de escolas particulares) efetuam significativamente menos escolhas positivas do que os grupos não clínicos, realizando mais escolhas negativas ou neutras. Esses resultados podem indicar que os grupos clínicos apresentam menor maturidade para a escolha da carreira, acabando por restringir suas possibilidades de exploração ocupacional. Considera-se que o estudo realizado fornece indicativos para a utilização do BBT-Br na prática clínica, contribuindo para a produção do conhecimento sobre este método projetivo e sua utilização na intervenção vocacional. / Career choice involves a process of integrating a set of social, economic and cultural variables and also personal characteristics such as vocational interests. Hence, studies addressing the characterization of the clientele of Vocational/Professional Guidance Services have been considered relevant aiming to broaden understanding of interests and motivations of the population assisted, and planning of effective interventions. This study investigates the structure of professional interests of young individuals who seek specialized help in a Vocational Guidance Service through the Brazilian adapted version of the Test of Photos of Professions (Berufsbilder Test BBT-Br). This study specifically included: (a) the socio-demographic profile of clients; (b) comparison of the BBT-Br results from a clinical sample with the results of a standardization study of Brazilian adolescents; and (c) a complementary study comparing the BBT-Br results from a clinical sample composed of individuals attending the 12th grade with the results of a non-clinical sample with the same educational level. Data were collected from consultations records provided by the service-school of a public university in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, in a period of six years. The protocols of 532 individuals aged between 14 and 21 years old, both male and female, from public and private schools, who were assisted from 2003 to 2008 and performed the BBT-Br during the Vocational Guidance process were analyzed. A total of 615 BBT-Br protocols were analyzed in the complementary study, comparing the results of the clinical group (n=118) with the non-clinical (n=497). Data analysis was carried out through statistical procedures: descriptive analysis, Student t test, two-way analysis of variance and contrast analysis (ANOVA), with level of significance below or equal to 0,05. The socio-demographic characterization of the sample evidenced the predominance of women (70,1%), students from the 12th grade (58,8%), from private schools (74,1%). A total of 90,2% of the clients concluded the process and 87,6% participated in group consultation. The BBT-Br results indicated that the structures of interests of clinical groups are similar to normative data. The factors S(h), G and O predominated among women, which indicate preference for activities related to help, studies and communication. The factors S(e), G and V predominated among men, evidencing interests related to dynamism, studies and rationality. These profiles can illustrate differences between genders in choice behavior related to the expectation of roles socially constructed and to the historical and cultural contexts. The comparative analysis of productivity indexes demonstrated that clinical groups (with exception of male students from private schools) made significant less positive choices than non-clinical groups, deciding for more negative or neutral choices. These results might indicate that clinical groups are less mature to choose a career, which restricts their possibilities of occupational exploration. This study supports the use of the BBT-Br in clinical practice, contributing to the production of knowledge on this projective method and its use in vocational intervention.

A escolha profissional envolve um processo de integração de um conjunto de variáveis sociais, econômicas e culturais, bem como de características pessoais, como por exemplo, os interesses vocacionais. Assim, estudos voltados à caracterização da clientela de serviços de Orientação Vocacional/Profissional têm sido considerados relevantes objetivando a ampliação da compreensão dos interesses e motivações da população atendida e o planejamento de intervenções eficazes. A presente pesquisa objetivou investigar a estrutura de interesses profissionais de jovens que procuraram auxílio especializado em um serviço de Orientação Profissional, por meio do Teste de Fotos de Profissões BBT-Br. Especificamente, este estudo realizou: (a) delineamento do perfil sociodemográfico dos clientes; (b) comparação dos resultados do BBT-Br de uma amostra clínica com os resultados do estudo de padronização para adolescentes brasileiros; e (c) um estudo complementar, comparando os resultados do BBT-Br de uma amostra clínica composta por jovens da 3ª série do Ensino Médio com os resultados de uma amostra não clínica de mesma escolaridade. Os dados foram levantados a partir dos registros dos atendimentos realizados pelo serviço-escola de uma universidade pública no estado de São Paulo, Brasil, em um período de seis anos. Foram analisados os protocolos de 532 jovens entre 14 a 21 anos de idade, do sexo masculino e feminino, provenientes de escolas públicas e particulares, que foram atendidos no período de 2003 a 2008, e que realizaram, durante o processo de Orientação Vocacional/Profissional, o BBT-Br. No estudo complementar foram analisados 615 protocolos do BBT-Br, comparando-se um grupo clínico (n=118) a um não clínico (n=497). A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio de procedimentos estatísticos: análises descritivas, testes t de Student, análise de variância (ANOVA) em duas vias e contrastes, com nível de significância menor ou igual a 0,05. A caracterização sociodemográfica da amostra evidenciou a predominância do sexo feminino (70,1%), de alunos da 3ª série do Ensino Médio (58,8%), provenientes de escolas privadas (74,1%). Observou-se que 90,2% dos clientes concluíram o atendimento e 87,6% participaram do atendimento em grupo. Nos resultados do BBT-Br, observou-se que as estruturas de interesses dos grupos clínicos assemelham-se aos dados normativos. Entre o sexo feminino, predominam os fatores S(h), G e O, indicando preferência por atividades relacionadas à ajuda, estudos e comunicação. No sexo masculino, predominam S(e), G e V, evidenciando interesses relacionados a dinamismo, estudos e racionalidade. Esses perfis podem ilustrar diferenças de gênero no comportamento de escolha, relacionadas à expectativa de papeis socialmente construídos e ao contexto histórico e cultural. A análise comparativa dos índices de produtividade demonstrou que os os grupos clínicos (excetuando-se os adolescentes do sexo masculino de escolas particulares) efetuam significativamente menos escolhas positivas do que os grupos não clínicos, realizando mais escolhas negativas ou neutras. Esses resultados podem indicar que os grupos clínicos apresentam menor maturidade para a escolha da carreira, acabando por restringir suas possibilidades de exploração ocupacional. Considera-se que o estudo realizado fornece indicativos para a utilização do BBT-Br na prática clínica, contribuindo para a produção do conhecimento sobre este método projetivo e sua utilização na intervenção vocacional. / Career choice involves a process of integrating a set of social, economic and cultural variables and also personal characteristics such as vocational interests. Hence, studies addressing the characterization of the clientele of Vocational/Professional Guidance Services have been considered relevant aiming to broaden understanding of interests and motivations of the population assisted, and planning of effective interventions. This study investigates the structure of professional interests of young individuals who seek specialized help in a Vocational Guidance Service through the Brazilian adapted version of the Test of Photos of Professions (Berufsbilder Test BBT-Br). This study specifically included: (a) the socio-demographic profile of clients; (b) comparison of the BBT-Br results from a clinical sample with the results of a standardization study of Brazilian adolescents; and (c) a complementary study comparing the BBT-Br results from a clinical sample composed of individuals attending the 12th grade with the results of a non-clinical sample with the same educational level. Data were collected from consultations records provided by the service-school of a public university in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, in a period of six years. The protocols of 532 individuals aged between 14 and 21 years old, both male and female, from public and private schools, who were assisted from 2003 to 2008 and performed the BBT-Br during the Vocational Guidance process were analyzed. A total of 615 BBT-Br protocols were analyzed in the complementary study, comparing the results of the clinical group (n=118) with the non-clinical (n=497). Data analysis was carried out through statistical procedures: descriptive analysis, Student t test, two-way analysis of variance and contrast analysis (ANOVA), with level of significance below or equal to 0,05. The socio-demographic characterization of the sample evidenced the predominance of women (70,1%), students from the 12th grade (58,8%), from private schools (74,1%). A total of 90,2% of the clients concluded the process and 87,6% participated in group consultation. The BBT-Br results indicated that the structures of interests of clinical groups are similar to normative data. The factors S(h), G and O predominated among women, which indicate preference for activities related to help, studies and communication. The factors S(e), G and V predominated among men, evidencing interests related to dynamism, studies and rationality. These profiles can illustrate differences between genders in choice behavior related to the expectation of roles socially constructed and to the historical and cultural contexts. The comparative analysis of productivity indexes demonstrated that clinical groups (with exception of male students from private schools) made significant less positive choices than non-clinical groups, deciding for more negative or neutral choices. These results might indicate that clinical groups are less mature to choose a career, which restricts their possibilities of occupational exploration. This study supports the use of the BBT-Br in clinical practice, contributing to the production of knowledge on this projective method and its use in vocational intervention.