Career Information Resources for Parents of Public School Seniors: Findings From a National Study

There is much empirical evidence supporting the influence of parents on their children's career choices and career development (Birk & Blimline, 1984; Hoyt, 1984; Middleton & Loughead, 1993; Miller, 1987; Otto, 1984; Otto & Call, 1985; Palmer & Cochran, 1988; Penick & Jepsen, 1992; Young & Friesen, 1992; Young, Friesen, & Pearson, 1988). Kotrlik and Harrison (1989) found parents to have more influence than teachers, counselors, school administrators, friends, or persons working in the fleld. Similarly, Peterson, Stivers, and Peters, (1986) found low income adolescents to rely on parents—more than teachers, peers, or other relatives—for career planning. Sebald (1989), in a study spanning the last three decades, examined whether high school students relied on peers or parents for help with developmental issues. Sebald found that high school students almost exclusively relied on parents for help with career development. In a study of 11th graders, Penick and Jepsen (1992) found family functioning variables to be stronger predictors of career development than gender, socioeconomic status, and educational achievement. Parents, therefore, may be high school students' most valuable career development resource. At least, it appears that parents are depended upon heavily for high school students' career development.