Effects of Academic Achievement, Sex, and Community of Residence on Four Types of Career Indecision

Abstract

The effects of academic achievement and sex on four types of career indecision of young adolescents were examined in two studies. In the first study, high achievers were found to perceive fewer external barriers to the pursuit of their career goals than average achievers. There also were significant Achievement by Sex interactions. High-achievement female students indicated less of a need for support in career decision making than all other students. High-achievement males reported a higher level of overall career indecision than high-achievement females. The second study was conducted to determine the effects of sex and community of residence on the career indecision of very high achievers. There were several significant Sex by Community of Residence interactions. Differences between female and male students from urban schools were particularly prominent. The educational and counseling implications of both studies are discussed.