A path model investigating the influence of some personal–psychological factors on the career aspirations of police trainees: a perspective from Oyo State, Nigeria

The study sampled 246 police trainees’ (165 males and 81 females) career aspirations using a developed and tested model that provided a causal explanation on five personal–psychological variables. Data collection was done through the use of four valid and reliable instruments. The data were analysed using multiple regression and path analysis in order to estimate the coefficient of structural equations of the hypothesized model. Results from the analysis indicated that the most meaningful causal model was tenable. And that the five predicting variables accounted for 37.7% (direct effect) and 62.3% (indirect effect) of the variability in the criterion. The significant causal influence of the personal–psychological factors investigated suggested that career aspirations of police trainees could be predicted using the variables. The implications of the findings for counselling and police education in Nigeria are discussed.