Separation/Attachment Theory and Career Decidedness and Commitment: Effects of Parental Divorce

This study tested separation and attachment theory in relation to the career choice commitment of college students, including those from divorced families, and the impact of family status on separation, attachment, and career variables. Partial or limited support was found for separation and attachment theory. For example, conflictual independence, attachment, and financial press related moderately to vocational exploration and commitment, but not the tendency to foreclose on a career choice. The former relations tended to be stronger for students with recently divorced parents than for students whose parents divorced earlier or for those from intact homes. Students from intact families displayed more career decidedness and financial connectedness to their parents. Students with divorced parents reported higher financial press and greater attitudinal, functional, and emotional independence from fathers. C © 2001 Academic Press