An approach to predictive variables for decision-making among fourth year of ESO and second year of Bachillerato students

Abstract

This study analyses the predictive value of the following variables: the emotional, cognitive, and social dimensions of decision-making, styles of career decision, self-esteem, perceived stress, self-confidence in decision-making and exploratory behaviour, together with the demographic variables of gender, school year, type of school and family educational background among Secondary School students. 519 students from the fourth year of ESO (compulsory Secondary Education) and second year of Bachillerato from four schools in the province of Barcelona (2 state schools and 2 public-private) participated in the study. 6 scales were applied to measure the variables. The methodology is quantitative, and the data analysis was carried out using the SPSS statistical package (version 25.0). The interrelation of the variables was calculated with the correlation analysis and its predictive value with the regression analysis. Results showed that the variables with most weight in the process of career decision-making were dependent and rational styles of career decision and to a lesser extent self-confidence in decision-making, exploratory behaviour, emotional self-esteem, public-private school, age and school year. These data show the importance that rational and cognitive factors still have in decision-making. Our results can contribute to a better understanding of the decision-making process among secondary-school students and, in turn, highlight the need to develop programmes for improving career decision-making in its emotional, cognitive, and social dimensions.