Self-efficacy beliefs as shapers of children's aspirations and career trajectories

This prospective study tested with 272 children a structural model of the n etwork of sociocognitive influences that shape children's career aspiration s and trajectories. Familial socioeconomic status is linked to children's c areer trajectories only indirectly through its effects on parents' perceive d efficacy and academic aspirations. The impact of parental self-efficacy a nd aspirations on their children's perceived career efficacy and choice is, in turn, entirely mediated through the children's perceived efficacy and a cademic aspirations. Children's perceived academic, social, and self-regula tory efficacy influence the types of occupational activities for which they judge themselves to be efficacious both directly and through their impact on academic aspirations. Perceived occupational self-efficacy gives directi on to the kinds of career pursuits children seriously consider for their li fe's work and those they disfavor. Children's perceived efficacy rather tha n their actual academic achievement is the key determinant of their perceiv ed occupational self-efficacy and preferred choice of work-life. Analyses o f gender differences reveal that perceived occupational self-efficacy predi cts traditionality of career choice.