Impact of STEM Sense of Belonging on Career Interest: The Role of STEM Attitudes

Abstract

Prior research has established a direct belonging–interest pathway among students underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields; however, evidence related to how a sense of belonging in STEM may operate to affect career interest remains limited. Drawing on data from 103 students (female: n = 70; male: n = 33) participating in grant activities at a Hispanic-serving institution, the present study seeks to address this gap by examining a model relating STEM sense of belonging, career interest, and STEM attitudes. Results of multigroup analysis revealed that, whereas female students’ STEM sense of belonging had an indirect impact on their career interest via its correlation with STEM attitudes, the impact of male students’ STEM sense of belonging on their career interest was both direct and indirect. Implications of the findings for educational and counseling practices on supporting women in STEM are discussed, along with future research directions.