Predicting Occupational Considerations: A Comparison of Self-Efficacy Beliefs, Outcome Expectations, and Person-Environment Congruence

Abstract

Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) and Holland's theory of career choice both make predictions about individuals' occupational considerations. SCCT suggests that occupational considerations are partially a function of self-efficacy beliefs and outcome expectations whereas Holland's theory suggests that such considerations are a function of person-environment congruence. This study explored the relationships among self-efficacy beliefs, outcome expectations, congruence, and occupational considerations in a sample of 93 college students. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated a modest positive relationship between congruence and occupational considerations that was no longer evident when self-efficacy beliefs and outcome expectations were considered in the regression equation. Implications for practice and the continued evaluation of overlap among career theories are discussed.