Relationship of personal agency, problem-solving appraisal, and traditionality of career choice to women's attitudes toward multiple role planning.

Abstract

The relationship of personal agency, problem-solving appraisal, and traditionality of career choice to scores on the Attitudes Toward Multiple Role Planning (ATMRP) scales was examined in undergraduate and graduate women (N = 131) aspiring to both traditional and nontraditional occupations. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed personal agency was positively related to the ATMRP scales of Knowledge/Certainty and Commitment to Multiple Roles. Traditionality of career choice moderated the effect of personal agency on both Commitment to Multiple Roles and Independence. Problem-solving appraisal factors were also positively associated with Knowledge/Certainty. Both Approach-Avoidance Style and Problem-Solving Confidence predicted Commitment to Multiple Roles, whereas only Approach-Avoidance Style predicted Independence. Educational level was the only variable predicting the ATMRP scale of Involvement. Implications for research, theory, and counseling in multiple role planning are addressed.