Modeling the Occupational/Career Decision-Making Processes of Intellectually Gifted Adolescents

Abstract

This study developed and empirically tested two related models of the occupational/career decision-making processes of gifted adolescents using a competing models strategy. The two models that guided the study, which acknowledged cultural orientations, social influences from the family, occupational/career values, and characteristics of intellectually gifted adolescents, differed in the manner in which the various constructs that form part of the occupational/career decision-making processes of gifted adolescents were sequenced. To collect data, the refined version of a rigorously developed survey instrument was administered to 687 adolescents attending three academically selective high schools in the Sydney metropolitan area (Australia). Data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analyses and structural equation modeling procedures. The finally accepted model suggested that, generally, the occupational/career decision-making processes of gifted adolescents incorporate a predictive role for cultural orientation and an intermediary role for motivation-related values, in the formation of attitudes toward occupations, and in turn, intentions to pursue particular occupations. Some notable aspects of the model included a strong association between the valuing of interest or enjoyment in an occupation and a need for intellectual stimulation, and a negative predictive relationship between a desire to fulfill one’s potential and occupational attitudes.