CAREER CHOICE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF UNDERGRADUATE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN LANGATA SUB-COUNTY NAIROBI, KENYA

Abstract

The increase in the number of students experiencing imbalances in their careers is a big concern. Yet deciding on a career is one of the vital decisions that may affect the students’ in lifetime because career that matches one’s interest, skill and value, leads to social-economic success, personal growth, and satisfaction among other things. This study sought to assess career choice and psychological well-being of undergraduate students in Langata Sub-County, Nairobi. The objectives of this study include; to assess parental influence on career choice and psychological well-being of the undergraduate students in the universities in Langata Sub-County; to assess peer influence on career choice and the psychological well-being of the undergraduate students in the universities in Langata Sub-county; to determine the effects of personal interest on career choice and the psychological well-being of undergraduate students in the universities in Langata Sub- County and to examine intervention strategies applied in helping undergraduate students during career selection in the universities in Langata Sub-County Nairobi. The study was anchored on Self Efficacy Theory and Social Cognitive Career Theory. Concurrent mixed method design was used. Target population was all the undergraduate students in Langata Sub-County Nairobi from which a total of 270 sample size was selected using sample size for unknown population. Simple random sampling techniques were used to select the participants. Stratified random technique was used to select the participated universities. The instrument was tested and reliability coefficient above 0.7 was obtained. Data was collected using a standardized, self-constructed questionnaire and interview guide for students and their parents. Data analysis was done using SPSS 22 and Pearson correlational analysis. Quantitative data were presented in tables and charts while qualitative data was presented in themes and narratives. Findings showed a weak positive correlation between peer influence and all the psychological wellbeing subscales. Finding indicated a weak negative correlation between parental influence and self-acceptance, autonomy and positive relationship with others. There was a perfect positive correlation between personal interest and personal growth. Some recommendations include; parents to provide and encourage their children to seek for valuable information. Universities should provide adequate intervention strategies through career workshops to enable students have knowledge of their aspired career.