Autoregressive Cross-Lagged Modeling of the Reciprocal Longitudinal Relationship Between Self-Esteem and Career Maturity

The purpose of the current research was to examine the reciprocal relationship among early adolescents between self-esteem and career maturity from the developmental/longitudinal perspective. Data from 1 to 4 (Grades 4–7) survey waves of the Korea Youth Panel Study, a longitudinal study of Korean youth organized by the National Youth Policy Institute and funded by the government of South Korea, were analyzed using autoregressive cross-lagged (ARCL) modeling. The results indicated (a) a positive autoregressive longitudinal relationship between career maturity and self-esteem over time, (b) no cross-lagged longitudinal relationship from career maturity to self-esteem over time, but a cross-lagged longitudinal relationship from self-esteem to career maturity over time, and (c) no gender difference in the ARCL model with self-esteem and career maturity. Findings hold implications for research and practice.