Exploring career decision-making anxiety among high school students

Abstract

Adolescence entails significant developmental milestones, including career decision-making, often accompanied by career anxiety. This study explores choosing career anxiety among high school students, considering its multifaceted nature and its impact on decision-making. A quantitative approach was employed, surveying 141 high school students at Nguyen Huu Canh High School in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Questionnaires assessed anxiety levels across various domains, analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Females exhibited higher anxiety about career choice compared to males (t(139) = -2.699, p < .05), particularly regarding anxiety about profession characteristics (Female: M = 2.54, SD = .654; Male: M = 2.22, SD = .710). Tenth graders reported heightened anxiety about personal capabilities compared to eleventh graders (F(2, 138) = 5.152, p < .05). Academic performance affected anxiety about career decision-making (F(2, 138) = 4.265, 4.489, and 3.262, respectively, all p < .05), with average performers showing higher anxiety about profession characteristics and above-average performers experiencing more anxiety about personal capabilities and social needs. Anxiety also varied across fields of interest (F(5, 135) = 2.128 and 2.720, respectively, both p < .05), reflecting diverse concerns among high school students in different career paths. Understanding the complexities of career anxiety is crucial for informed decision-making. Tailored interventions addressing gender disparities, grade-level transitions, academic performance, and field-specific concerns are essential for empowering high school students in career navigation. These findings highlight the importance of supporting adolescents through comprehensive career guidance initiatives to promote holistic development and well-being.