Journal of Sociology and Social Work

Self-Efficacy and Future Adult Roles: Gender Differences in Adolescents’ Perceptions
Patricia Neff Claster, Ph.D; Sampson Lee Blair, Ph.D.

Abstract
While previous studies have examined perceptions of self-efficacy, relatively few have focused upon how such perceptions develop during the adolescent years. Using a national sample of high school seniors, this study examines the nature of adolescents’ perceptions of self-efficacy; as such perceptions are related to future spousal, parental, and worker roles. Building upon a framework of life-course and ecological theories, both familial and individuals factors are shown to be significantly associated with perceptions of self-efficacy among adolescents. Among boys, risk-taking behaviors, such as alcohol consumption and delinquency, are shown to be linked to perceptions of self-efficacy. Among girls, an interweave between future spousal and parental roles is suggested. The implications of these findings, as well as directions for future research, are discussed.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jssw.v5n1a3