In this study, the influence of career exploration and commitment, life-role salience, and chronological age on identity development in gifted female adolescents was examined. A set of factors, including vocational exploration and commitment, commitment to the role of work, and participation in the role of studying, explained 43.3% of the variance in the identity development of the gifted females who participated in the study. Of these factors, vocational exploration and commitment contributed the most to identity development. Based on results of this investigation as well as past research, the authors emphasize the need to expand efforts to enhance career exploration opportunities for all adolescents, especially gifted females.
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