Date of Award

8-2024

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

School

Psychology

Committee Chair

Dr. Emily Yowell

Committee Chair School

Psychology

Committee Member 2

Dr. Melanie Leuty

Committee Member 2 School

Psychology

Committee Member 3

Dr. Craig Warlick

Committee Member 4

Dr. Kevin Wells

Committee Member 4 School

Education

Abstract

College students face many difficult decisions as they navigate adulthood, including making a decision about their career. Although much research has already been conducted to explore these difficulties, little has explored the potential impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on one’s career-related cognitions. Further, the COVID-19 pandemic has provided a new context in which difficulties with career-related decisions may be exacerbated. Through the lens of psychological stress, the current study examined the responses of 231 undergraduate students using a university-based online participant recruiting site, SONA. It was predicted that level of ACEs would be positively related with levels of negative career thoughts and career decision-making difficulty. Additionally, it was predicted that perceived COVID-19 impact would moderate these relationships, and that levels of career decision-making ambiguity tolerance would influence that moderating effect. Although there was some evidence to suggest a significant relationship between ACEs and negative career thoughts, there was no evidence to support the other hypotheses. However, exploratory analyses revealed significant positive relationships between perceived COVID-19 impact and levels of both negative career thoughts and career decision-making difficulties. These findings could inspire further research, as well as contribute to the development of more informed career counseling interventions. Some limitations to this study include convenience sampling, questionnaire length, and questionnaire content possibly resulting in participant burnout.

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