Determinants of career indecision in the career paths of senior high school students in Ghana

Abstract

The study sought to identify the determinants of career indecision among senior high school students in Ghana. This study employed the descriptive survey design. Data were collected using a four-point Likert-type scale questionnaire. Data analysis and presentation of results were done using Mean, Standard Deviation, Independent Samples t-test, Analysis of Variance and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The study revealed that lack of career information, self-knowledge, decision-making fear and anxiety, peer influence, family influence, academic achievement difficulties and lack of career counselling worked as determinants of career indecision of Senior High School Students in Ghana. Also, peer influence, family influence and academic achievement difficulties were the most prevalent determinants of career indecision. It was also revealed that there were significant differences on the basis of gender as well as type of school, while there were significant relationships between career indecision and lack of career counselling, and also, between career indecision and academic achievement difficulties. It was recommended that the Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service should institute and implement policies that would promote career planning, development and choice for senior high school students in Ghana. Another recommendation was that school counsellors should be sensitive to issues of peer influence, family influence, and academic achievement difficulties during counselling sessions for informed and effective career decision-making by senior high school students.