The influence of parents on the career choice of Maltese sixth formers : a teenage perspective

Abstract

The study examines teenage perceptions of parental influence on career choice. Using open-ended interviews, the work obtains narrative data from twelve Sixth Form students and five parents. The qualitative analysis reveals fourteen categories through which parents influence the career-choice process of adolescents. It also examines the relationship between children and parents, which is found to be of critical importance to this choice process. The findings show that the influence of parents varies from providing direct instrumental assistance, such as financial and information support, to the more intricate emotional and esteem support. The results also highlight the importance of parents as allies and resources for facilitating youth career development. Implications of these findings for career guidance practice and direction for future research are discussed.