Developing a scale to measure four sources of career decision-making self-efficacy among Japanese university students

Abstract

This study developed a scale for assessing the four sources of career decision-making self-efficacy (CDMSE) among Japanese university students. Undergraduate students from three universities in Japan (N=270, age range, 18–23 years) participated in this study. Data were collected via a questionnaire administered during the final 20 minutes of a lecture. We utilized the stages of change theory to assess motivation for career decision-making behavior and the Japanese version of the Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy Scale to measure CDMSE. We also conducted four focus group interviews with 26 university students to generate items for the new scale, which resulted in 50 preliminary items. Participants rated these items on a four-point Likert-type scale. Exploratory factor analysis refined the scale to 29 items organized into four factors, effectively capturing the four sources of CDMSE.