Abstract:
The current study examined the influence of the Big Five Personality Factors, Career
Beliefs and Career Maturity on Career Decision-Making Difficulties. The theory of
circumscription and compromise, self-concept over lifespan, social learning theory of
career decision-making and the big five model underpinned the theoretical
framework. The study used mixed methods by employing an explanatory sequential
mode as a design. A sample of 494 students in various undergraduate programmes of
the University of Ghana were selected through stratified, proportionate, simple
random and systematic random sampling techniques for the quantitative phase. Using
a purposive sampling method, ten (n=10) students were selected for the qualitative
phase. All students completed the big five inventory, the career beliefs inventory,
career maturity scale and the career decision making difficulties questionnaire for the
quantitative phase and through one-on-one interviews for the qualitative phase.
Reliability was established using Cronbach‘s alpha. Validity was established through
face validity, content validity and construct validity. Factor Analysis was used to
determine the dominant items in the standardized questionnaires before the final
analysis was carried out. The Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive
statistics, t-test, bivariate as well as multiple regression analytical techniques while
thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data. Robustness of the qualitative study
was built through prolonged engagement, persistent observation, triangulation and
member check. Findings of the study established that personality factors predicted
career decision-making difficulties with conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness
being the most influential predictors. Also, career beliefs predicted career decisionmaking
difficulties with my current career situation, factors that influence my
decision and effort I am willing to initiate improving self, were the main predictors of
career decision making difficulties. Career maturity was found to be negatively
correlated with career decision-making difficulties. Age and Sex were statistically not
significant differentiators on career decision-making difficulties. From the study
findings, it concluded that, personality factors are important in the career decision
making process of undergraduates of the University of Ghana. Therefore, it was
recommended that, Management of the University of Ghana should formulate policies
that mandate students to visit the Careers and Counselling Centre in order to assist
students to manage their careers based on self-assessments, education, training and
labour market information.
Description:
A thesis in the Department of Counselling Psychology,
Faculty of Educational Studies, submitted to the School of
Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the award of the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
(Guidance and Counselling)
in the University of Education, Winneba