Self-Efficacy (SE) and Perceived Social Support (PSS) as Predictors of Career Decision-Making Difficulties (CDMD) in MDCAT-Failed Students
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Abstract
Objectives: Current study aims to find the relations among Self-efficacy (SE), Perceived social support (PSS) and Career decision making difficulties (CDMD) in individuals who faced failure in MDCAT.
Method: In this study, cross-sectional method was used. 500 participants were recruited from academies and universities in Sialkot, Pakistan as sample. SE, PSS and CDMD were assessed using standardized scales. SPSS Version 26 was used for data analysis. The relationships between the studied variables were investigated using Pearson’s product-moment correlation
Results: There is a negative correlation between CDMD and SE (r= -0.143) and a significant positive correlation between PSS and CDMD (r=0.137, p<.05). there is a significant positive correlation between SE and PSS (r=0.332, p<.05).
Conclusion: The findings indicate that while higher self-efficacy is modestly associated with fewer career decision-making difficulties, higher perceived social support is concurrently linked to greater career indecision in this cohort. Given the small effect sizes, these variables operate as minor correlative factors rather than primary psychological predictors. The unexpected positive correlation involving social support may reflect localized resource mobilization or collectivist familial pressure during academic crises. The study underscores the necessity for culturally nuanced career counseling frameworks tailored to MDCAT repeat candidates.
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