Career identity among children leaving out-of-home care: Implications on Self-Esteem and Self-Efficacy

This study explores the career identity and self-concept (self-esteem and self-efficacy) of adolescents leaving out-of-home care and also examines how these two constructs are associated. Data were from the 2021 Independent Living Settlement Compulsory Education for Adolescents Leaving Residential Out-of-Home Care Survey. The sample included 220 children living across Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. We used latent profile analysis (LPA) for profile classification, ANOVA for identifying group differences on career identity and self-concept, and multiple regression analysis to predict self-esteem and self-efficacy with different types of career identity. Adolescents with moderate to high career identity accounted for 76.4% of the sample and they were more likely to have higher levels of self-esteem and self-efficacy compared to those with lower career identity. For Self-Doubt group, it seemed that children had mixed feelings of self-doubt and some confidence although they reported quite reasonable levels of career exploration and preparation. In addition, adolescents with higher scores of good mental health were more likely to have higher levels of self-esteem and self-efficacy. Adolescents with higher levels of career identity tend to have better self-concept, such as high self-esteem and self-efficacy. An integrated intervention approach is essential for adolescents leaving out-of-home care building confidence in themselves as well as having a clear career path.