The Effect of Depression and Smartphone Dependency on Female College Students' Career Decision-making Self Efficacy

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of depression and smartphone dependency with female college students` career decision-making self efficacy. Methods: This was a descriptive study. The survey participants were 497 female college students in M City and S City. Data were collected from November 16 to December 4, 2015 using self-report questionnaires including BDI (Beck Depression Inventory), Smartphone Dependency Scale, and CDMSES-SF (Career Decision-Making Self Efficacy Scale-Short Form). Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-test, ANOVA, and stepwise multiple regression. Results: Career decision-making self efficacy showed significant differences according to religion. Smartphone dependency was found to have a statistically significant negative correlation with career decision-making self efficacy and a positive correlation with depression. Depression was found to have a statistically significant negative correlation with career decision-making self efficacy. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that the predictors of career decision-making self efficacy were depression (7.1%), religion (1.8%), and smartphone dependency (1.3%), accounting for a total of 10.6% of the variance. Conclusion: This study suggests that interventions to promote female college students` career decision- making self efficacy should consider their depression, religion, and smartphone dependency.