Mathematics Self-Efficacy: Sources and Relation to Science-Based Career Choice

Robert W. Lent, Frederick G. Lopez, Kathleen J. Bieschke

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

414 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study explored (a) the relation of the four hypothesized sources of efficacy information (personal performance accomplishments, vicarious learning, social persuasion, and emotional arousal) to mathematics self-efficacy percepts and (b) the relations among self-efficacy, outcome expectations, interest in mathematics-related college courses, and choice of science-based careers. Subjects were 138 introductory psychology students. Results indicated that the efficacy informational sources were significantly predictive of and helped explain gender differences in mathematics self-efficacy, that outcome expectations complemented self-efficacy in predicting interest and choice indexes, and that the effects of self-efficacy on science-related career choice were mediated by interests. Implications for the further extension of social-cognitive theory to career behavior are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)424-430
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Counseling Psychology
Volume38
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1991

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Social Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Mathematics Self-Efficacy: Sources and Relation to Science-Based Career Choice'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this