SOCIO-PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS AS PREDICTORS OF CAREER DECISION MAKING AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

This study investigated the predictive value of socio-psychological factors: peer group attachment and personality traits, on career decision-making among secondary school students in Anambra State, Nigeria. The study was guided by two research questions and two null hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of significant. The study adopted correlational research design. Using Taro Yamane a sample of 339 students were drawn from public secondary schools, data was collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using simple and multiple regression analyses. Findings revealed that Peer group exhibited a weaker positive predictive value (β = 0.28) but was still significant. Among personality traits, extraversion (β = 0.23) and openness (β = 0.18) showed weak positive contributions, while neuroticism (β = 0.004) was not a significant predictor. The implications of these findings suggest the need for school-based interventions, such as career counseling, self-efficacy-building activities, and enhanced parental engagement to strengthen students’ career decision-making confidence. Recommendations include the engagement of guidance counselors, parental involvement programs, and personality development activities within the school curriculum.