The present study considered the relationships between internal working models of adult attachment, satisfaction with social supports, and career decision self efficacy. Theoretical support was found within the context of Social Cognitive Theory (Bandura, 1986) and Attachment Theory (Bowiby, 1 973 ; Hazen & Shaver, 1994). A conceptual model was proposed and tested using structural equation modeling to answer the research questions: is there a relationship between secure internal working models of attachment and career decision self efficacy, and if so, is the relationship between secure internal working models of attachment and career decision self efficacy partially mediated by satisfaction with social supports? A third research question was considered: are men and women similar in how they experience internal working models of attachment, satisfaction with social supports, and career decision self efficacy? Participants included 663 college-aged students (457 women; 206 men) from two Midwestern universities, with most being in their first or second year of college (72% freshmen/sophomores; 28% juniors or above). Alternate models for men and women were proposed and a multi-group analysis was conducted to determine if groups were similar. Results indicated that the groups were similar. Models were then combined for a comprehensive model representing both men and women. Findings indicated that there was a direct relationship between secure internal working models of attachment and career decision self efficacy and an indirect relationship that was partially mediated by satisfaction with social supports. Theoretical, research, and practice implications are discussed, as well as methodological limitations to the study. Future directions are offered. / Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/181785 |
| Date | January 2008 |
| Creators | Webb, Lillian K. |
| Contributors | Perrone, Kristin M. |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | ix, 101 leaves : ill. ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
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