The Career Decision-Making Processes of Economically Disadvantaged Gifted Adolescents: A Mixed-Methods Investigation

• In Event: 46.071 - At-Risk Populations in Gifted Education

Abstract

This mixed methods study developed models of the cognitive career decision-making processes of economically disadvantaged gifted adolescents by combining grounded theory analysis of interview data and structural equation modeling analysis of survey data. All participants (26 Grade 7 to 9 interviewees and 917 Grade 7 to 9 survey participants) attended one of seven academically selective high schools in low SES regions of the Sydney metropolitan area, Australia. The finally accepted model suggested that economically disadvantaged gifted adolescents personally value interest/enjoyment and stability, while their families value interest/enjoyment, stability and income. The most important contributors of the attitudes of economically disadvantaged gifted adolescents toward their future careers appear to be interest/enjoyment, stability, intellectual stimulation and an expectancy for success.

Authors

• Jae Yup Jung, University of New South Wales

• Marie Young