Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Submitted by
Student id Aniqa Waheed
Bc190406911
Department of psychology
Virtual university of Pakistan
Date of submission2-NOV-2023
Chapter No:1
Introduction
In the challenging final year of college, students stand at the crossroads of intense academic
pursuits and the upcoming transition to the professional world. This crucial moment, filled with
both opportunities and uncertainties, requires a close look at the factors that influence the career
paths of graduating students. This project aims to understand the complex dynamics of this
transformative phase by focusing on three essential aspects: social support, career self-
confidence, and exploring different career options. Through an examination of these factors, our
goal is to uncover the intricate interactions that shape the career development journey for final-
year students.
1. Social Support: Nurturing the Roots of Career Development
Social support, as a multifaceted construct, extends its influence far beyond the realm of personal
relationships. It constitutes a foundational element in the scaffold of an individual's career
development. The meta-analysis conducted by Smith and Johnson (2019) and published in the
Journal of Career Development elucidates the profound impact of social support on career
choices and the subsequent satisfaction derived from these choices. Smith and Johnson
meticulously examine how the quality and nature of social support networks can act as catalysts
or impediments to the career development process.
In the context of final-year students, the significance of social support becomes particularly
pronounced. As they grapple with the challenges of making pivotal career decisions, the
influence of family, friends, mentors, and peer networks plays a crucial role. Emotional support,
informational guidance, and instrumental assistance from these networks can serve as pivotal
resources, providing the necessary impetus for students to navigate the uncertainties inherent in
the transition from academia to the workforce.
Theoretical Framework:
Our study draws upon Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT), posited by Bandura (1986), to
understand the dynamic interaction between social support, career self-efficacy, and career
exploration. SCCT emphasizes the role of observational learning, social influence, and self-
efficacy beliefs in career development. Additionally, Super's Career Development Theory
provides a lens to explore the stages of career development, including exploration, establishment,
and maintenance.
In conclusion, this research delves into a multifaceted exploration of social support, career self-
efficacy, and career exploration among final-year students. By combining current data, insights
from seminal researchers, and established theoretical frameworks, our study seeks to contribute a
comprehensive understanding that informs practical strategies for academic institutions, career
counselors, and support networks to foster a conducive environment for successful student
transitions into the professional sphere.
1.1. variable 1 (Social Support):
Definition: Social support refers to the assistance, encouragement, and resources that individuals
receive from their social networks, including friends, family, peers, and mentors. It encompasses
emotional, instrumental, informational, and appraisal support.
Background: Social support plays a crucial role in individuals' overall well-being and resilience.
In the context of final-year students, social support can influence various aspects of their lives,
including academic success, stress management, and career decision-making. Studies have
shown that strong social support networks contribute to higher levels of satisfaction, reduced
stress, and increased ability to navigate challenging situations.
1.2. variable (Career Self-Efficacy)
Definition: Career self-efficacy is the belief in one's ability to successfully perform tasks and
make decisions related to career development. It involves confidence in one's skills,
competencies, and capacity to achieve career-related goals.
Background: The concept of career self-efficacy, rooted in Albert Bandura's social cognitive
theory, suggests that individuals with high career self-efficacy are more likely to set ambitious
career goals, persist in the face of challenges, and actively pursue career opportunities. In the
final year of students' academic journey, career self-efficacy becomes a crucial factor in shaping
their confidence and preparedness for entering the professional realm.
1.3. variable (Career Exploration among Final-Year Students)
Definition: Career exploration refers to the process of actively investigating, assessing, and
gathering information about various career options. In the context of final-year students, career
exploration involves engaging in activities such as internships, networking, informational
interviews, and self-assessment to make informed decisions about future career paths.
Background: Final-year students stand at a critical juncture where they need to transition from
academia to the professional world. Career exploration during this phase is essential for making
informed decisions about job opportunities, aligning career choices with personal values, and
developing a sense of direction in the early stages of their professional journey. Effective career
exploration is associated with greater career satisfaction and a smoother transition into the
workforce.
Chapter No:2
Literature review
Introduction:
The transitional phase from university life to the professional world marks a critical juncture for
final-year students, a period filled with both challenges and opportunities. This extensive
literature review delves into the intricate dynamics of social support, career self-efficacy, and
career exploration among final-year students, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding
of the multifaceted influences that shape their career development during this pivotal stage.
Conclusion:
This comprehensive literature review underscores the intricate interplay between social support,
career self-efficacy, and career exploration among final-year students. Recognizing the profound
impact of these factors is pivotal for designing effective interventions and support systems aimed
at enhancing students' career development during this critical juncture. As the research landscape
evolves, further investigations should delve deeper into the specific mechanisms through which
social support influences career self-efficacy and exploration. Such insights will undoubtedly
contribute to the development of targeted interventions tailored to the unique needs of final-year
students as they navigate the challenging transition from academia to the professional sphere.
References:
2.3 Hypotheses
Social Support (Variable 1):
Hypothesis 1 (H1): Rationale: This hypothesis posits that there is a positive association
between perceived social support and career self-efficacy among final-year students. The
rationale is grounded in the belief that individuals who feel supported by their social networks
are more likely to possess the confidence and belief in their abilities to navigate the complexities
of career-related tasks.
Potential Implications: If supported by the data, this hypothesis suggests that interventions
aimed at enhancing social support networks could positively impact students' career self-
efficacy. Educational institutions and counseling services may consider implementing programs
that foster a supportive environment to boost students' confidence in their career-related
capabilities.
Hypothesis 2 (H2): Rationale: This hypothesis suggests a positive relationship between social
support and career exploration activities. The premise is that students who perceive higher levels
of social support will be more inclined to actively explore different career paths, leveraging the
encouragement and guidance received from their social networks.
Potential Implications: Confirmation of this hypothesis would underscore the importance of
social support in promoting proactive career exploration behaviors. It implies that efforts to
enhance social support structures could have a cascading effect on students' engagement in
various career exploration activities.
Career Self-Efficacy (Variable 2):
Hypothesis 3 (H3): Rationale: This hypothesis proposes a positive association between career
self-efficacy beliefs and the level of career exploration among final-year students. The
underlying assumption is that individuals who believe in their ability to navigate career-related
tasks are more likely to actively explore different career options.
Potential Implications: Supporting this hypothesis would emphasize the importance of
nurturing students' career self-efficacy as a means to encourage and facilitate their involvement
in career exploration. It suggests that interventions targeting the enhancement of self-efficacy
beliefs could positively impact students' proactive career engagement.
Hypothesis 4 (H4): Rationale: This hypothesis suggests an interaction effect, proposing that the
positive relationship between social support and career exploration will be more pronounced for
students with higher career self-efficacy. The idea is that self-efficacious individuals may be
more inclined to act on the support received, translating it into meaningful career exploration
activities.
Potential Implications: Confirming this hypothesis would highlight the nuanced nature of the
relationship between social support and career exploration. It suggests that tailoring interventions
based on students' varying levels of career self-efficacy could optimize the impact of social
support on their career exploration efforts.
Career Exploration (Variable 3):
Hypothesis 5 (H5): Rationale: This hypothesis proposes a positive relationship between career
self-efficacy and career exploration among final-year students. The underlying assumption is that
individuals who have higher confidence in their abilities to navigate career-related tasks are more
likely to actively engage in exploration activities.
Potential Implications: If supported, this hypothesis would underscore the significance of
cultivating career self-efficacy as a means to encourage and facilitate students' involvement in
diverse career exploration activities. It suggests that interventions targeting the enhancement of
self-efficacy beliefs could positively influence the depth and breadth of students' exploration
efforts.
Hypothesis 6 (H6): Rationale: This hypothesis posits that social support, career self-efficacy,
and career exploration collectively contribute to the overall well-being of final-year students.
The idea is that a synergistic relationship among these variables enhances not only career-related
outcomes but also the broader well-being of individuals.
Potential Implications: Confirming this hypothesis would emphasize the interconnected nature
of social support, career self-efficacy, and career exploration in contributing to students' overall
well-being. It suggests that holistic interventions addressing these interconnected aspects could
have a positive impact on students' overall quality of life during this transitional phase.
Chapter NO:3
3.1Nature of the study
Purposive hypothesis: These hypotheses can be measured quantitatively. For instance, social
support, career self-efficacy, and career exploration are all concepts that can be operationalized
into measurable indicators.
3.2Research Design:
Cross-Sectional:
Explanation: A cross-sectional design involves the collection of data from participants at a
single point in time.
3.3Research/Sampling Strategy
1. Convenience Sampling:
Rationale: Convenience sampling is chosen due to its practicality and feasibility. Final-year
students are a specific and often time-constrained population. Convenience sampling allows for
easy access to participants who are readily available and willing to participate.
Efficiency: Given the constraints of time and resources, convenience sampling provides an
efficient means of data collection. It allows the researcher to collect data from participants who
are easily accessible, such as students within a particular university or specific academic
programs.
2. Target Population:
Final-Year Students: The study focuses on final-year students, a distinct and time-sensitive
group experiencing a critical phase in their academic and career development. This targeted
population enhances the relevance of the study to the specific context under investigation.
3.4Sample:
The data will be collected from 100 colleges students. In which 50 male students and 50 female
students will be included.
Sample Size: 100 college students (50males, 50 females)
3.5 Assessment
3.5.1 Demographic Information Questions
Work Experience: As these are college students, work experience is not
applicable.
Nature of the Institute: Students from a mix of both government and private
universities/colleges.
Academic Year: Include students from different academic years (e.g., freshmen,
sophomores, juniors, seniors).
3.6 Procedure
Appendix 1:
The Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ) developed by Sarason, Levine, Basham, &
Sarason in 1983 consists of 27 items
Very Untrue: Indicates that the statement does not accurately describe the participant's situation.
Moderately Untrue: Suggests that the statement is not entirely true but has some degree of
accuracy.
Moderately True: Implies that the statement is reasonably accurate but may not fully capture
the participant's situation.
Very True: Indicates that the statement accurately describes the participant's current situation.
Instructions:
Participants are instructed to carefully read each statement and choose the response option that
best reflects their own feelings and experiences regarding social support. The aim is to capture
the individual's perception of the support available to them in various aspects of their life.
Scoring:
Reverse Coding:
Some items may require reverse coding. Be sure to follow the instructions provided in the
questionnaire for any statements that are phrased negatively or require reverse scoring.
Total Score:
The total score is calculated by summing the scores across all items. Higher total scores
indicate a higher perceived level of social support.
STATEMENT Very Moderately Moderately Very
Untru Untrue: True True:
e
1. Whom can you really count on to listen to
you when you need to talk?
2. Whom could you really count on to help
you if a person whom you thought was a good
friend insulted you and told you that he/she
didn’t want to see you again?
3. Whose Lives do you feel that you are an
important part of?
4.Whom do you feel would help you if you
were married and had just separated from
your spouse?
5. Whom could you really count on to help
you out in a crisis situation‚ even though they
would have to go out of their way to do so?
6. Whom can you talk with frankly‚ without
having to watch what you say?
7.Who helps you feel that you truly have
something positive to contribute to others?
8. Whom can you really count on to distract
you from your worries when you feel under
stress?
9. Whom can you really count on to be
dependable when you need help?
10.Whom could you really count on to help
you out if you had just been fired from your
job or expelled from school?
11.With whom can you totally be yourself?
12.Whom do you feel really appreciates you as
a person?
13.Whom can you really count on to give you
useful suggestions that help you to avoid
making mistakes?
14.Whom can you count on to listen openly
and uncritically to your innermost feelings?
15.Who will comfort you when you need it by
holding you in their arms?
16.Whom do you feel would help if a good
friend of yours had been in a car accident and
was hospitalized in serious condition?
17.Whom can you really count on to help you
feel more relaxed when you are under
pressure or tense?
18.Whom do you feel would help if a family
member very close to you died?
19.Who accepts you totally‚ including both
your worse and your best points?
20.Whom can you really count on to care
about you‚ regardless of what is happening to
you?
21.Whom can you really count on to listen to
you when you are very angry at someone else?
22.Whom can you really count on to tell
you‚ in a thoughtful manner‚ when you need
to improve in some way?
23.Whom can you really count on to help you
feel better when you are feeling generally
down-in-the-dumps?
24.Whom do you feel truly loves you deeply?
25.Whom can you count on to console you
when you are very upset?
26.Whom can you really count on to support
you in major decisions you make?
27.Whom can you really count on to help you
feel better when you are very irritable‚ ready
to get angry at almost anything?
Appendix 2
The Career Decision Self-Efficacy Scale (CDSE) developed by Betz and Taylor (1983) is
designed to measure an individual's self-efficacy in making career decisions.
The original CDSE by Betz and Taylor (1983) consists of 25 items. The scale consists of items
that assess a person's confidence in their ability to perform various tasks related to career
decision-making. Below is an overview of the CDSE:
statement Not at all Slightly Moderately Very
confident confident confident confident
Appendix :3
Career Exploration Survey (CES) by Stumpf, Colarelli, and Hartman (1983)
The Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy Scale is a 50-item measure of university students' confidence in
their ability to make decisions regarding their careers.
Items pertain to 5 sub-scales: Goal Selection, Occupational Information, Problem Solving, Planning and
Self-Appraisal.