Longitudinal Change and Maternal Influence on Occupational Aspirations of Gifted Female American and German Adolescents

Abstract

This study assessed 43 gifted adolescent females in the United States and Germany over a 4-year period (in 7th or 8th grade and again during the 11th or 12th grade). Factors that were examined included the daughter's career selection, the prestige level and the education required to pursue that career, and the impact of the mother's gender role attitudes on these factors. Both American and German girls remained consistent in their career selections over time and selected moderately prestigious careers. German girls, as compared to American, selected less traditional female occupations and careers that require more educational training. Giftedness, cultural differences, and the implications for career counseling of gifted adolescent females are addressed.