Does Perceived Social Pressure Play a Vital Role in Emerging Adults’ Future Multiple Role Balance? Evidence From Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study examines the role of perceived social pressure (PSP) in anticipated multiple role balance (AMRB) for emerging adults in Sri Lanka and variance across genders. Data were collected from a questionnaire with a sample size of 725 undergraduates at a major state university. Structural equation modeling with multigroup analysis was employed to investigate the relationships among constructs. The findings indicate that there is a positive and significant effect of PSP on AMRB both directly and indirectly through multiple role balance self-efficacy (SE) and positive outcome expectations (OE). Further, the results reveal that the effect of PSP on SE and anticipated multiple balance is statistically different across genders. This study contributes to the existing literature by applying social cognitive career theory’s self-management model to multiple role planning for the first time in Sri Lanka and filling the gaps in research on sources of SE and OE.