FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PERCEIVED CAREER OPTIONS IN AMERICAN-INDIAN, WHITE, AND HISPANIC RURAL HIGH-SCHOOL-STUDENTS

Betz and Hackett's (1981) career self-efficacy model was extended using an ethnically mixed (White, Hispanic, American Indian) rural high school population (467 girls and 426 boys). A modified form of Betz and Hackett's interest and self-efficacy instrument was used as well as measures of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, stressful life events, and self-esteem. Gender differences were observed in interest and self-efficacy estimates for same-gender and cross-gender occupations, marked by boys' restricted consideration of cross-gender options. Ethnic differences were noted as well, particularly regarding self-efficacy estimates, with American Indian efficacy lowest for 7 of 18 occupations studied. Stepwise multiple regression analyses with interest and efficacy as the dependent variables yielded equations that varied by ethnicity.