Date of Graduation

1999

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

Racial identity and locus of control are two constructs likely to have a significant impact on career self-efficacy (beliefs about one's ability to successfully perform in a given career). This study examines the influence of racial identity attitudes (as measured by the Racial Identity Attitude Scale-B) and locus of control (as measured by the Internal, Powerful Others, and Chance scales) on the career choice patterns and aspirations of African American adolescents (N = 101). It was predicted that gender differences would emerge in the expression of racial identity attitudes, locus of control, and career self-efficacy (as measured by the Career Attitude Scale) of the participants. It was further predicted that positive relationships would be found among the three variables. Results revealed gender differences in the immersion-emersion stage of racial identity development with males expressing more of these attitudes than their female counterparts. Some gender differences also emerged in the career choice patterns and aspirations of the participants. Results further revealed that the RIAS internalization stage was associated with an internal locus of control with locus of control being superior to racial identity development in influencing the career self-efficacy of African American adolescents. Implications are discussed and suggestions for future research are considered.

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