Exploring Gender Differences in Adolescents' Academic and STEM-Related Career Possible Selves

• In Event: The Role of Motivation Among Middle and Postsecondary Students

Abstract

During early adolescence, females report high interest in math and science, but interest shifts away from these areas in their transition to high school and college. Possible selves theory is often used to examine adolescents’ thinking about academic and future careers, but not typically in STEM areas. This study examined adolescents’ thinking about academics and careers specific to possible selves in STEM areas. Study results show that adolescents reported significantly more responses for hoped-for than feared possible selves and that gender differences were also found specific to career and academic hoped-for possible selves. However, no gender differences were reported for school- and job-related feared possible selves. Discussion focuses on implications for curriculum development, career advising, and career development settings.

Author

• Rommel Lazo Bunuan, Far Eastern University
  Presenting Author