Examing the Influence of Parental Pressure and Perceived Control on Young Adults' Career Exploration

This study explored the career development and exploration experiences of young adults in Canada, through the lens of parental pressure experiences and perceptions of control. Using a grounded theory approach and a qualitative methodology, in-depth interviews were conducted to analyze participant narratives. Key themes emerged. Participants experienced more parental pressure in their university years compared to childhood or high school years. They engaged in more career exploration and placed a higher emphasis on person-career and person-academic fit during university years. Parental pressure did not seem to affect career exploration in later years, when other factors were contributing to career exploration. With regard to perceived control, most participants held a moderate to high level of perceived control over their overall and career environments, but felt that parental pressure reduced control over their career future. The results have implications for vocational psychology and career counselling with young adults.M.A