Roles of personality, vocational interests, academic achievement and socio‐cultural factors in educational aspirations of secondary school adolescents in southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the roles of personality, vocational interests, academic achievement and some socio‐cultural factors in educational aspirations of secondary school adolescents in southwestern Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey research design was adopted. The sample comprised 430 (males = 220, females = 210) secondary school students. Data personality, vocational interests, academic achievement, socio‐cultural factors and educational aspiration were obtained from the students. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to analyse the data.

Findings

The paper finds that specific personality, interest dimensions, academic achievement, socio‐economic status and demands from extended family were significantly related to the students' educational aspirations.

Research limitations/implications

The cross‐sectional correlational research design does not permit cause‐and‐effect inferences to be made. Use of a single‐item survey to assess educational aspirations may limit the results. Future research may add more items to assess educational aspiration.

Practical implications

The adolescents' personality, vocational interests, academic achievement and socio‐cultural factors should be identified and included in the career counselling process by counselling psychologists.

Originality/value

This research provides basis for the need to consider personality, interests and socio‐cultural factors in addition to cognitive attainment when explaining the adolescents' educational aspirations.

Citation

Salami, S.O. (2008), "Roles of personality, vocational interests, academic achievement and socio‐cultural factors in educational aspirations of secondary school adolescents in southwestern Nigeria", Career Development International, Vol. 13 No. 7, pp. 630-647. https://doi.org/10.1108/13620430810911092