The joint operation of five career indecision factors: A longitudinal examination

Abstract

While extensive research has explored the taxonomy of career indecision, a longitudinal examination of the joint operation of major indecision factors is lacking. Tracking a sample of US college students (n = 261) over three time points, the current study examined a mediation model involving lack of readiness, neuroticism/negative affectivity, interpersonal conflicts, need for information, and choice/commitment anxiety. The results showed that need for information mediated the positive predictions of lack of readiness and interpersonal conflicts for subsequent choice/commitment anxiety. However, neuroticism/negative affectivity did not predict need for information while controlling for lack of readiness and interpersonal conflicts. Therefore, the current study suggests that motivational and interpersonal barriers could undermine readiness for committing to a career direction because these barriers could impede information collection. The theoretical and practical implications of this study are deliberated along with its limitations and recommendations for future studies.