An Exploration of Social Cognitive Mechanisms, Gender, and Vocational Identity Among Eighth Graders

The authors conducted a multiple group path analysis examining gender differences in relations among career decision-making self-efficacy (CDMSE), career decision-making outcome expectations (CDMOE), and career decision-making intentions-goals (CDMIG), as well as linkages between these three sociocognitive variables and vocational identity status in a sample of 820 eighth graders. Overall, gender differences in mean levels of the sociocogni-tive variables were found, with girls scoring significantly higher on each vari-able. Results revealed model parameters varied across the groups, with stronger paths for boys than girls. Outcome expectations partially mediated the relation between CDMSE and CDMIG. Overall, CDMSE and CDMOE accounted for 30 % and 45 % of the variance in CDMIG for girls and boys, respectively. Moreover, linear combinations of sociocognitive variables explained differences among identity status groups. Participants with high CDMSE and CDMOE scores were more likely to have made a tentative career choice, whereas those with lower scores had not yet committed. Suggestions Authors ’ Note: The authors thank Rebecca Weston, PhD, and Lisa Flores, PhD, for their statistical consultation, Susan Day, PhD, for her comments on an earlier draft, and Abigail Gaffey, MA, for her assistance in data collection. Please address correspondence to Patrick J