Current - Issue
Original Article
Vocational Attitude, Career Maturity, and Self- Motivation Among Generation Z and Generation Alpha Students
Sankar Bairagi1
Raj Sharan Shahi2
1 Research Scholar, Department of Education, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. 2 Professor, Head and Dean, Department of Education, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Published Online: May-June 2026
Pages: 146-161
Cite this article
↗ https://www.doi.org/10.59256/ijrtmr.20260603017
References
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4. Byrne, B. M. (2016). Structural equation modeling with AMOS: Basic concepts, applications, and programming (3rd ed.). Routledge.
5. Creed, P. A., Fallon, T., & Hood, M. (2009). The relationship between career adaptability, person and situation variables, and career
concerns in young adults. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 74(2), 219–229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2008.12.004
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Development, 29(4), 277–290. https://doi.org/10.1177/089484530302900405
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9. Duckworth, A. L., Peterson, C., Matthews, M. D., & Kelly, D. R. (2007). Grit: Perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Journal of
Personality and Social Psychology, 92(6), 1087–1101. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.92.6.1087
10. Duffy, R. D., & Dik, B. J. (2009). Beyond the self: External influences in the career development process. The Career Development
Quarterly, 58(1), 29–43. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2161-0045.2009.tb00171.x
11. Eccles, J. S. (2009). Who am I and what am I going to do with my life? Personal and collective identities as motivators of action.
Educational Psychologist, 44(2), 78–89. https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520902832368
12. Fouad, N. A., & Bynner, J. (2008). Work transitions. American Psychologist, 63(4), 241–251. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.63.4.241
13. Guan, Y., Deng, H., Sun, J., Wang, Y., Cai, Z., Ye, L., Li, Y., & Li, Y. (2015). Career adaptability, job search self-efficacy and outcomes:
A three-wave investigation among Chinese university graduates. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 86, 561–570.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2014.09.003
14. Hair, J. F., Black, W. C., Babin, B. J., & Anderson, R. E. (2010). Multivariate data analysis (7th ed.). Pearson.
15. Hirschi, A. (2009). Career adaptability development in adolescence: Multiple predictors and effect on sense of power and life satisfaction.
Journal of Vocational Behavior, 74(2), 145–155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2009.01.002
16. Hirschi, A., Niles, S. G., & Akos, P. (2011). Engagement in adolescent career preparation: Social support, personality and the development
of choice decidedness and congruence. Journal of Adolescence, 34(1), 173–182. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2009.12.009
17. Holland, J. L. (1997). Making vocational choices: A theory of vocational personalities and work environments (3rd ed.). Psychological
Assessment Resources.
18. Kline, R. B. (2015). Principles and practice of structural equation modeling (4th ed.). Guilford Press.
19. Komarraju, M., & Nadler, D. (2013). Self-efficacy and academic achievement: Why do implicit beliefs, goals, and effort regulation matter?
Learning and Individual Differences, 25, 67–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2013.01.005
20. Krumboltz, J. D. (1996). A learning theory of career counseling. In M. Savickas & W. Walsh (Eds.), Handbook of career counseling theory
and practice (pp. 55–80). Davies-Black.
21. Lent, R. W., Brown, S. D., & Hackett, G. (1994). Toward a unifying social cognitive theory of career and academic interest, choice, and
performance. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 45(1), 79–122. https://doi.org/10.1006/jvbe.1994.1027
22. Mau, W. C. (2000). Cultural differences in career decision-making styles and self-efficacy. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 57(3), 365–
378. https://doi.org/10.1006/jvbe.1999.1745
23. McCrindle, M., & Fell, A. (2020). Understanding Generation Alpha. McCrindle Research.
24. Nagy, Á., & Kölcsey, A. (2017). Generation Alpha: Marketing or science? Acta Technologica Dubnicae, 7(1), 107–115.
https://doi.org/10.1515/atd-2017-0007
25. Patton, W., & Lokan, J. (2001). Perspectives on Donald Super’s construct of career maturity. International Journal for Educational and
Vocational Guidance, 1(1–2), 31–48. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1016964629459
26. Pintrich, P. R. (2003). A motivational science perspective on the role of student motivation in learning and teaching contexts. Journal of
Educational Psychology, 95(4), 667–686. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0663.95.4.667
27. Porfeli, E. J., & Lee, B. (2012). Career development during childhood and adolescence. New Directions for Youth Development, 134, 11–
22. https://doi.org/10.1002/yd.20011
28. Rottinghaus, P. J., Day, S. X., & Borgen, F. H. (2005). The Career Futures Inventory: A measure of career-related adaptability and
optimism. Journal of Career Assessment, 13(1), 3–24. https://doi.org/10.1177/1069072704270271
29. Savickas, M. L. (2002). Career construction: A developmental theory of vocational behavior. In D. Brown (Ed.), Career choice and
development (4th ed., pp. 149–205). Jossey-Bass.
30. Savickas, M. L. (2013). Career construction theory and practice. In S. D. Brown & R. W. Lent (Eds.), Career development and counseling:
Putting theory and research to work (2nd ed., pp. 147–183). Wiley.
31. Schoon, I., & Parsons, S. (2002). Teenage aspirations for future careers and occupational outcomes. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 60(2),
262–288. https://doi.org/10.1006/jvbe.2001.1867
32. Schunk, D. H., & Pajares, F. (2002). The development of academic self-efficacy. In A. Wigfield & J. Eccles (Eds.), Development of
achievement motivation (pp. 15–31). Academic Press.
33. Seemiller, C., & Grace, M. (2017). Generation Z: Educating and engaging the next generation of students. Jossey-Bass.
34. Singh, A. P., & Dangmei, J. (2016). Understanding the generation Z: The future workforce. South-Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary
Studies, 3(3), 1–5.
35. Super, D. E. (1957). The psychology of careers. Harper & Row.
36. Super, D. E. (1990). A life-span, life-space approach to career development. In D. Brown & L. Brooks (Eds.), Career choice anddevelopment (2nd ed., pp. 197–261). Jossey-Bass.
37. Tabachnick, B. G., & Fidell, L. S. (2013). Using multivariate statistics (6th ed.). Pearson.
38. Walker, T. L., & Tracey, T. J. G. (2012). The role of future time perspective in career decision-making. Journal of Vocational Behavior,
81(2), 150–158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2012.06.002
39. Watt, H. M. G., & Eccles, J. S. (2008). Gender and occupational outcomes. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 32(4), 343–
353. https://doi.org/10.1177/0165025408090973
40. Zimmerman, B. J. (2000). Self-efficacy: An essential motive to learn. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 25(1), 82–91.
https://doi.org/10.1006/ceps.1999.1016
factors. The Career Development Quarterly, 55(1), 38–51. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2161-0045.2006.tb00003.x
2. Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. Freeman.
3. Brown, D. (2002). Career choice and development (4th ed.). Jossey-Bass.
4. Byrne, B. M. (2016). Structural equation modeling with AMOS: Basic concepts, applications, and programming (3rd ed.). Routledge.
5. Creed, P. A., Fallon, T., & Hood, M. (2009). The relationship between career adaptability, person and situation variables, and career
concerns in young adults. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 74(2), 219–229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2008.12.004
6. Creed, P. A., & Patton, W. (2003). Predicting two components of career maturity in school-based adolescents. Journal of Career
Development, 29(4), 277–290. https://doi.org/10.1177/089484530302900405
7. Crites, J. O. (1978). Career maturity inventory. CTB/McGraw-Hill.
8. Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. Plenum Press.
9. Duckworth, A. L., Peterson, C., Matthews, M. D., & Kelly, D. R. (2007). Grit: Perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Journal of
Personality and Social Psychology, 92(6), 1087–1101. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.92.6.1087
10. Duffy, R. D., & Dik, B. J. (2009). Beyond the self: External influences in the career development process. The Career Development
Quarterly, 58(1), 29–43. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2161-0045.2009.tb00171.x
11. Eccles, J. S. (2009). Who am I and what am I going to do with my life? Personal and collective identities as motivators of action.
Educational Psychologist, 44(2), 78–89. https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520902832368
12. Fouad, N. A., & Bynner, J. (2008). Work transitions. American Psychologist, 63(4), 241–251. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.63.4.241
13. Guan, Y., Deng, H., Sun, J., Wang, Y., Cai, Z., Ye, L., Li, Y., & Li, Y. (2015). Career adaptability, job search self-efficacy and outcomes:
A three-wave investigation among Chinese university graduates. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 86, 561–570.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2014.09.003
14. Hair, J. F., Black, W. C., Babin, B. J., & Anderson, R. E. (2010). Multivariate data analysis (7th ed.). Pearson.
15. Hirschi, A. (2009). Career adaptability development in adolescence: Multiple predictors and effect on sense of power and life satisfaction.
Journal of Vocational Behavior, 74(2), 145–155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2009.01.002
16. Hirschi, A., Niles, S. G., & Akos, P. (2011). Engagement in adolescent career preparation: Social support, personality and the development
of choice decidedness and congruence. Journal of Adolescence, 34(1), 173–182. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2009.12.009
17. Holland, J. L. (1997). Making vocational choices: A theory of vocational personalities and work environments (3rd ed.). Psychological
Assessment Resources.
18. Kline, R. B. (2015). Principles and practice of structural equation modeling (4th ed.). Guilford Press.
19. Komarraju, M., & Nadler, D. (2013). Self-efficacy and academic achievement: Why do implicit beliefs, goals, and effort regulation matter?
Learning and Individual Differences, 25, 67–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2013.01.005
20. Krumboltz, J. D. (1996). A learning theory of career counseling. In M. Savickas & W. Walsh (Eds.), Handbook of career counseling theory
and practice (pp. 55–80). Davies-Black.
21. Lent, R. W., Brown, S. D., & Hackett, G. (1994). Toward a unifying social cognitive theory of career and academic interest, choice, and
performance. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 45(1), 79–122. https://doi.org/10.1006/jvbe.1994.1027
22. Mau, W. C. (2000). Cultural differences in career decision-making styles and self-efficacy. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 57(3), 365–
378. https://doi.org/10.1006/jvbe.1999.1745
23. McCrindle, M., & Fell, A. (2020). Understanding Generation Alpha. McCrindle Research.
24. Nagy, Á., & Kölcsey, A. (2017). Generation Alpha: Marketing or science? Acta Technologica Dubnicae, 7(1), 107–115.
https://doi.org/10.1515/atd-2017-0007
25. Patton, W., & Lokan, J. (2001). Perspectives on Donald Super’s construct of career maturity. International Journal for Educational and
Vocational Guidance, 1(1–2), 31–48. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1016964629459
26. Pintrich, P. R. (2003). A motivational science perspective on the role of student motivation in learning and teaching contexts. Journal of
Educational Psychology, 95(4), 667–686. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0663.95.4.667
27. Porfeli, E. J., & Lee, B. (2012). Career development during childhood and adolescence. New Directions for Youth Development, 134, 11–
22. https://doi.org/10.1002/yd.20011
28. Rottinghaus, P. J., Day, S. X., & Borgen, F. H. (2005). The Career Futures Inventory: A measure of career-related adaptability and
optimism. Journal of Career Assessment, 13(1), 3–24. https://doi.org/10.1177/1069072704270271
29. Savickas, M. L. (2002). Career construction: A developmental theory of vocational behavior. In D. Brown (Ed.), Career choice and
development (4th ed., pp. 149–205). Jossey-Bass.
30. Savickas, M. L. (2013). Career construction theory and practice. In S. D. Brown & R. W. Lent (Eds.), Career development and counseling:
Putting theory and research to work (2nd ed., pp. 147–183). Wiley.
31. Schoon, I., & Parsons, S. (2002). Teenage aspirations for future careers and occupational outcomes. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 60(2),
262–288. https://doi.org/10.1006/jvbe.2001.1867
32. Schunk, D. H., & Pajares, F. (2002). The development of academic self-efficacy. In A. Wigfield & J. Eccles (Eds.), Development of
achievement motivation (pp. 15–31). Academic Press.
33. Seemiller, C., & Grace, M. (2017). Generation Z: Educating and engaging the next generation of students. Jossey-Bass.
34. Singh, A. P., & Dangmei, J. (2016). Understanding the generation Z: The future workforce. South-Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary
Studies, 3(3), 1–5.
35. Super, D. E. (1957). The psychology of careers. Harper & Row.
36. Super, D. E. (1990). A life-span, life-space approach to career development. In D. Brown & L. Brooks (Eds.), Career choice anddevelopment (2nd ed., pp. 197–261). Jossey-Bass.
37. Tabachnick, B. G., & Fidell, L. S. (2013). Using multivariate statistics (6th ed.). Pearson.
38. Walker, T. L., & Tracey, T. J. G. (2012). The role of future time perspective in career decision-making. Journal of Vocational Behavior,
81(2), 150–158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2012.06.002
39. Watt, H. M. G., & Eccles, J. S. (2008). Gender and occupational outcomes. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 32(4), 343–
353. https://doi.org/10.1177/0165025408090973
40. Zimmerman, B. J. (2000). Self-efficacy: An essential motive to learn. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 25(1), 82–91.
https://doi.org/10.1006/ceps.1999.1016
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