The present study examined interrelationships between attachment levels, relationship efficacy, career decision-making self efficacy, and life satisfaction. Concepts from social cognitive theory (Bandura, 1986) and attachment theory (Bowlby, 1973) were integrated to provide a framework for the current study. A conceptual model was proposed and tested to answer the research question: does relationship efficacy and career decision self efficacy fully or partially mediate the relationship between attachment and life satisfaction? This model was constructed to test mediational effects of career decision making self efficacy and relationship efficacy between the variables of attachment and life satisfaction. An alternative model was also developed to test for a direct relationship between attachment and life satisfaction (i.e., in addition to the indirect paths through the mediational variables). Structural equation modeling methods were utilized to test the model. Results indicated an adequate fit for both the primary and the alternate model. Findings indicated that relationship efficacy and career decision self efficacy partially mediate the relationship between attachment and life satisfaction. Theoretical, research, and practice implications are discussed in relation to the findings. Methodological limitations to the study and future directions are offered. The study concluded that adult attachment is a fundamental source of efficacy information and operates as a critical component in people's perceptions of their efficacy in the domains of relationships and career decisions, both of which impact life satisfaction. An integrated model based on social cognitive theory and attachment theory contributed to existing knowledge and may help generate future research. / Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/182150 |
| Date | January 2007 |
| Creators | Wright, Stephen L. |
| Contributors | Perrone, Kristin M. |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | ix, 124 leaves : ill. ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
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