The relationship between identity status and career maturity in male and female adolescents in the South African context
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Date
2021-11
Authors
Mahlaba, Siphesihle P.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
Adolescence is a transitional stage between childhood and adulthood and is characterised by numerous and multidimensional developments. Identity development is one of the major developments that takes place during this developmental phase. Identity develops through a process of exploration and commitment, influenced by a range of proximal and distal contextual factors. Furthermore, this psychosocial task is linked to other key domains of development such as career development. The development of a career is a long-term process and it is in adolescence where the first formal steps of crafting a career are noted. Associated with a successful career development process is the psychosocial factor of career maturity. Against this background, adolescents are required to be concerned about vocational goals while simultaneously shaping their identities. Accordingly, this research study aimed to explore a relationship between identity status and career maturity in male and female adolescents in the South African context. This research study is anchored by numerous theoretical frameworks including the Psychosocial Development Theory by Erik Erikson and Identity Status Theory by James Marcia, which were utilised to inform on identity and the development thereof. For the variable of career maturity the Career Development Theory by Donald Super, the Career Maturity Model by John Crites and the Career Construction Theory by Mark Savickas are referenced. A non-experimental-type, quantitative research study and correlational and criterion group designs were employed in this research study. The final sample of participants totalled 362. The sample of participants was obtained from the Mangaung area using a non-probability, convenience sampling approach. The participants had to be in the adolescent developmental phase and up to the maximum age of 21. Data was collected through a questionnaire battery. A biographic questionnaire was used to obtain biographic information. To measure ego identity status, the Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status (OMEIS) by Adams et al. (1979) was used and to assess career maturity, the adapted Career Maturity Inventory (CMI) by Crites and Savickas (as cited in Savickas & Porfeli, 2011) was used. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, namely the multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVA) and the standard multiple regression analysis, which revealed a significant and positive relationship between achievement identity status and career maturity. Additionally, the results by gender were found to be non-significant. Based on the results, it is concluded that a coherent sense of identity is a positive predictor of career maturity, while gender in the South African context is not an associated factor.
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Keywords
Dissertation (M.A. (Clinical Psychology))--University of the Free State, 2021, Adolescence, Career development, Career maturity, Culture, Gender, History, Identity development, Identity status, South African context