Conceptions of career choice and attainment in Portuguese preschool and elementary-school children

Abstract

AbstractThe Conceptions of Career Choice and Attainment (CCCA) model has been supporting research on children’s career reasoning, particularly in the USA. This study examines the applicability of the CCCA model to Portuguese preschool and elementary-school children. The CCCA interview was answered by 101 children (38.6% preschoolers, 61.4% elementary schoolers; Mage = 6.68). Results indicated that elementary schoolers present significantly higher levels of career choice and attainment reasoning than preschoolers. Future studies with middle schoolers are needed to keep investigating the model in Portugal. Studies in other countries would also be useful to encourage collaboration in childhood career development research and practice.