PREDICTIVE ROLES OF SELF-ESTEEM, SCHOOL TYPE AND TRUANCY ON CAREER DECISION-MAKING AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN OWERRI NORTH, IMO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the predictive role of self-esteem, school type, and truancy on career decision-making among 624 secondary school students (306 males, 318 females) in Owerri North, Imo State, Nigeria. Participants, aged 13-18 years (M = 15.50, SD = 1.23), were drawn from five secondary schools (two public and three private): Government Boys College, Imo Girls Secondary School, Premier International School, Madonna Model Secondary School, and Noble-Star Academy. Three hypotheses were postulated and tested using a cross-sectional survey design. Data were collected using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), School Truancy Questionnaire (STQ), and Career Decision Making Scale (CDMS). Multiple regression analysis revealed that self-esteem strongly and positively predicted career decision-making, while school type weakly and positively predicted career decision-making. Truancy, weakly and negatively predicted career decision-making. The findings suggest that comprehensive career development programs and interventions incorporating self-esteem enhancement, career exploration, and education on regular school attendance can help students make informed career decisions. The study recommends among other things that educators and counsellors design and implement such programs and interventions to promote self-esteem and career development among secondary school students.