Social support and adolescents’ career development

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine influence of social support on adolescents’ career development. The sample consisted of 358 secondary school students from year one to year four. The students were surveyed on measures of career development and perceived social support. The results show that there was a positive relationship between perceived social support and career decision making self-efficacy (r=-.237, p<.05.) and between perceived social support and internal locus of control (r=-.351, p<.05.). The results also show a significant negative relationship between perceived social support and career indecision (r=-.150, p<.05.) and between perceived social support and external career locus of control (r=-.106, p<.05.). Based on the results social support has a positive influence on adolescents’ career development. It is therefore important that adolescents seek social support whenever they experience problems in career decision making. Significant people in adolescents’ lives should also offer encouraging and nurturing relationships, for the better development of adolescents