Dundas, Suzanna (2023) “Just the right amount of stress within my job to keep it challenging and interesting”: Aspirations, beliefs and behaviours; an exploration of adolescent possible future selves. PhD thesis, University of York.
Abstract
Adolescence is a challenging time for young people. As they transition towards adulthood, they are required to make plans and decisions about their future selves. This research aimed to develop understanding of the complex and interacting factors that influence young people’s decisions and plans and contribute to the existing knowledge around the types of careers that young people hope to have when they are adults, as well as what influences their choices.
Students aged 16-24 (N=610), were asked to complete an online written survey about how they imagine their future, they also completed items relating to future-oriented beliefs and behaviours. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected.
Study 1 explored how young people conceptualise and narrate their possible future selves (PFSs) through the lens of their ideal job. An exploratory content analysis of the qualitative data found that adolescents were capable of integrating factors that went beyond their ideal job role; having a purposeful life and positive functioning were particularly salient features of their narratives. Older and female students were more likely to produce nuanced, integrated PFSs than younger and male students, possibly suggesting greater self-knowledge.
Study 2 examined young people’s educational and career aspirations, as well as the factors that might influence their occupational goals. The study also explored more general beliefs about self and the future. Findings from this study suggest that young people have high educational and academic aspirations. Professional roles were the most commonly aspired to jobs, in particular jobs in health, science, research and technology, and culture, media and sports. Family and work experience were the main influences on job choice. Results differed according to participant gender, socio-economic status and age.
This research contributed to knowledge relating to how late adolescents imagine their PFSs. Findings may be useful in developing targeted career support for young people, particularly those who are most vulnerable to poor outcomes.
Metadata
Supervisors: | Asbury, Kathryn |
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Awarding institution: | University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > Education (York) |
Depositing User: | Suzanna Dundas |
Date Deposited: | 24 Jun 2024 08:50 |
Last Modified: | 24 Jun 2024 08:50 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:etheses.whiterose.ac.uk:35150 |
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