Impact of Parental Influence and Self-efficacy On Career Choice Among Secondary School Students in Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of parental influence and self-efficacy on career choice among secondary school students in Kebbi State. Four (4) research hypothesis were generated and tested at 0.05 level of significant. The descriptive research design was employed. Simple random sampling techniques was used to select 21 secondary schools in Kebbi State. Twenty (20) students were randomly selected from each of the selected schools. Three (3) standardized instruments were adapted; this includes parental influence (0.74), self-efficacy (0.78) and career choice scales (0.75). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (demographic information of the participants), t-test and regression analysis were used (to test the hypothesis). The findings revealed that parental influence (t= -2.45, p<.05) and self-efficacy (t= -3.57, p<.05) were significantly predictors of career choice. Regression analysis showed that parental influence and self-efficacy jointly explained 13% of variance in career choice. Female students reported significantly better career choice compared to males (t= -2.27, p<.05). Parental influence and self-efficacy are important factors in career decision-making among secondary students in Kebbi State. Culturally appropriate career guidance programs should engage parents and enhance students' career-related self-efficacy. Further research should explore additional factors and effectiveness of interventions.