The relationship between goal orientation and career striving in young adolescents

We surveyed 280 students (61% girls; M = 15.3 years) and, in the context of goal setting theory and self‐regulation, tested a cross‐sectional model in which goal orientation (learning, performance–prove, performance–avoid) was viewed as an antecedent to self‐efficacy and outcome expectations, self‐efficacy and outcome expectations were tested as antecedents to goal setting, and goal setting tested as an antecedent to career‐striving behaviors (exploration, planning). After controlling for educational achievement, learning orientation was directly, positively, associated with self‐efficacy and outcome expectations, and indirectly associated with career aspirations, career exploration, and planning; and performance–avoid orientation was negatively associated with self‐efficacy. The study demonstrated that goal orientation is an important variable to consider when examining career development in adolescents.