A STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEVELS OF CAREER MATURITY AND SELF-CONCEPT IN THE CAREER DEVELOPMENT OF COLLEGE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Abstract
This study was designed to examine the relationship between levels of career maturity and self-concept in the career development process of college undergraduate students. Furthermore, the study was designed to determine if levels of career maturity and levels of self-concept vary between males and females; if levels of career maturity and self-concept increased with increases in academic levels; and to determine if levels of career maturity and self-concept vary between students with career-specific majors and those in career-non-specific majors. The subjects for this study were drawn from Marquette University's undergraduate student population. There were 160 subjects with twenty males and twenty females from each academic level. The Career Development Inventory (College and University Form) and the Tennessee Self Concept Scale were used for the study. These inventories yielded total scores and subscale scores. Various statistical analyses were used. The various statistical analyses of data produced the following results: (1) There is a positive relationship between levels of career maturity and self-concept. (2) Females are more mature than males in their decision making and have a greater knowledge of the world of work. (3) Females have a higher positive self-concept than males. (4) A significant difference in levels of career maturity exist among grade levels. (5) There is no significant difference in levels of self-concept with increases in grade levels. (6) There is no significant difference in levels of career maturity between students in career-specific majors and those in career-non-specific majors. (7) There is no significant difference in levels of self-concept between students in career-specific majors and students in career-non-specific majors. The results of this study indicate that an individual's self-concept is related to the level of career maturity attained, though the relationship is a relatively weak one in the college students studied. Emphasis should be placed on career planning during the freshman year. An on-going career assessment is important for students in all academic majors.
This paper has been withdrawn.