The usefulness of the Self -Directed Search in determining career development for Hmong college students
Author(s):
Mouanoutoua, Kongming
Format:
Thesis
Degree granted:
Psy.D.
Publisher:
Ann Arbor : Alliant International University, Fresno, 2004.
Pages:
122
Language:
English
Abstract:
This study explored the relationship of one hundred and seven (107) Hmong undergraduate students enrolled in community colleges and universities in the San Joaquin Valley. They participated in a study using the SDS instrument, which assists in career planning and selection of a college major. Participants were predominantly male (67.3%), female (32.7%), and less than thirty years of age (86.8%). The results indicated that (52.3%) of the students who had selected a specific college major were classified as the “specific major group” and (47.7%) of the students who had not selected a specific college major were classified as the “not specific major group”. The study data hypothesized that Hmong students who had selected a specific college major would report more similar Self-Directed Search occupational daydream and summary codes than Hmong students who had not selected a specific college major. Hmong students who reported they had selected a college major reported higher rationed value than Hmong students who reported they had not selected a college major. This study finding suggests that students who have selected a major and are certain about their college major are more likely to report similar SDS occupational daydream and summary codes than students who have not selected and are less certain about their college major. Those students who reported as the specific major group were more likely to have earned higher levels of income, and used the career center more than two times than those Hmong students who reported that they have not a specific major group. Country of origin and number of years living in the United States were other variables that appear to influence career related decisions made by Hmong college students.