Family Dynamics In Career Decision-Making Among Adolescents With Learning Disabilities In Calabar Metropolis

Abstract

This study explored parental factors as determinants of career choice among adolescents with learning disabilities in Calabar metropolis. The study focused on three variables: parents' economic status, number of siblings, and parents' educational level. A survey research design was adopted, and the sample comprised 100 students with learning disabilities, purposively selected. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire titled family dynamics in Career Decision Making of Adolescents with Learning Disabilities. The reliability of the instrument, determined was Cronbach’s Alpha, yielded a value of r = 0.877, Data was analyzed using Chi-square tests. The findings showed that parental economic status, categorized as high, moderate, and low, had no significant association with career choice (X²(df = 6) = 4.816, p = .444), as p > .05. Thus, the null hypothesis was retained, the number of siblings, categorized into 1–3, 4–6, and above 6, had a significant influence with career choice (X²(df = 6) = 26.214, p < .001), with p < .05. Consequently, the null hypothesis was rejected, and the alternate hypothesis was accepted, and there was no significant association between parental educational qualifications categorized into primary, secondary, and tertiary and career choice (X²(df = 6) = 10.02, p = .124), as p > .05. The null hypothesis was retained. Based on these findings, it is recommended that families foster better interaction between adolescents with learning disabilities and their siblings to enhance the dissemination of career-related information. Additionally, families should develop a deeper understanding of the nature and effects of the learning disabilities on career choice, as this will enable them to plain and support their career and job placement.