Title: Cognitive Development, Student-Teacher Relationship, Educational Attainment, and Self-Efficacy as Predictors of Career Decision-Making among Secondary School Students in Abia State, Nigeria
Authors: Timothy Olakunle Ijiola, Ph.D., Yetunde Ganiyat Odetayo, RN, Ph.D., Ibrahim Rashidat Omowumi, Kabiru Adewale Adegunju
Volume: 9
Issue: 6
Pages: 85-92
Publication Date: 2025/06/28
Abstract:
This study examined the predictive influence of cognitive development, student-teacher relationship, educational attainment, and self-efficacy on career decision-making among secondary school students in Abia State, Nigeria. Anchored in Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory and Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory, the study adopted a correlational survey design. A total of 450 students from selected public secondary schools participated in the study. Data were collected using standardised instruments and analysed using Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis. The results indicated significant positive relationships among all the independent variables and career decision-making. Self-efficacy (? = 0.351, p < 0.001) and educational attainment (? = 0.289, p = 0.002) were the strongest predictors, followed by cognitive development (? = 0.214, p = 0.015) and student-teacher relationship (? = 0.198, p = 0.028). The findings underscore the need for holistic educational interventions that prioritise self-efficacy enhancement, academic excellence, cognitive growth, and nurturing teacher-student relationships to facilitate effective career decision-making among adolescents.