Self-determination level of the motivation for "searching for something to commit to": Effect on career indecision

Abstract

The purposes of the present study were to investigate the motivation for "searching for something to commit to" within career choices, and to examine the link between the self-determination level of such motivation and career indecision. Base on self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000), a scale to measure motivation for "searching for something to commit to" within career choices was constructed, and its reliability and validity were examined. A survey was administered to 399 university students. Factor analysis identified 3 factors or subscales : "self-fulfillment orientation", "social position orientation", and "following others". These factors differed as to the level of self-determination. The reliability and validity of the scale were confirmed. Using cluster analysis and ANOVA, the relation between self-determination level as measured by the scale and career indecision was examined. The results indicated that the absence of self-determined motivation to "search for something to commit to" could lead to career indecision. It was suggested that a sense of self-determination in "searching for something to commit to" could be linked to adaptation for career choices.