Career Decision Self-Efficacy, Career Barriers, and College Women’s Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

Relationships between college women’s experiences of violence from intimate partners, career decision self-efficacy, and perceived career barriers were assessed using social cognitive career theory as a theoretical guide. Among 129 students, sexual coercion was negatively associated with three aspects of career decision self-efficacy (self-appraisal, goal-selection, and problem solving) after adjustment for symptoms of depression, whereas negotiation (a positive conflict tactic) was positively associated with goal-selection self-efficacy. Psychological aggression, physical assault, and injury were not uniquely associated with career decision self-efficacy. Intimate partner abuse was generally unrelated to perceived barriers, with the exception of disability/health concerns, which were negatively related to psychological aggression, sexual coercion, and negotiation. Ideas for future research and implications for career counselors who work with female college students are presented.