Motivational Resources of Agency in Adolescents' Career Development in Postsecondary Transition: More than Being
Jiseul Sophia Ahn1, Catherine F Ratelle2, Stéphane Duchesne2
1School of Psychoeducation, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
Abstract:
A sense of agency is crucial for self-directed career development, particularly during the postsecondary transition, a period shaping career trajectories. This study examined autonomy and self-efficacy as pillars of agency, using longitudinal data from a sample of 637 French-Canadian adolescents (54% girls, M age = 16) before and after the transition. Participants reported on career decision-making autonomy (intrinsic, identified, introjected, and external motivations) and self-efficacy, along with career exploration and commitment. Latent profile analysis identified four subgroups of youth, including youth with high autonomous motivations and self-efficacy, displaying a fully agentic profile, and others with lop-sided agency, marked by strong controlled motivations. Relative weigh analysis indicated self-efficacy as the strongest predictor, with intrinsic motivation making a unique albeit weaker contribution to exploration. These findings highlight the importance of fostering both autonomy and competence, while also revealing the detrimental implication of reward- and punishment-driven motivation on career identity integration.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adolescence
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Secondary Motives: Power Motivation and Achievement Motivation
Power motivation is characterized by the desire to influence, control, or have an impact on others. It is shaped by an individual's experiences, social environment, and cultural context. People with high power motivation are...
Marcia's Theory of Identity Status
Ryan and Deci's Self-Determination Theory
Autonomy is the need to feel in control of one's actions and decisions. For example, a student who chooses their research topic is likely to be more engaged and motivated than one who...


