Perceived Traditionality and Nontraditionality of Career Aspirations of Black College Women

Abstract

132 black college women's perceptions of the traditionality and nontraditionality of their career choices were examined as a function of fear of success, delay of gratification, and risk-taking. Analysis indicated that women low in fear of success perceived their career choices to be more non-traditional than women high in fear of success. A three-way interaction of fear of success, delay of gratification, and risk-taking was noted. That is, women who were high risk-takers, high in preference for delayed gratification, and low in fear of success perceived their career aspirations to be more nontraditional than women who were low risk-takers, low in preference for delayed gratification and high in fear of success. The significance of these findings and implications for women's career aspirations and job performance are discussed.