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Applying Social Cognitive Theory to Interest in Geropsychology Among Clinical Psychology Doctoral Students

Zec, Adrianna J.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=xavier1396719375

Abstract Details

2012, Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Xavier University, Psychology.
The projected increased in the number of older adults in the United States will likely challenge the mental health care system. Within this context of expected increased demand for mental health services, geropsychology stands to be a likely growth area of practice. Fostering student interest in pursuing specialized training with this underserved population is an important area of exploration. Social cognitive career theory (SCCT) provides a unifying framework for understanding the process of developing professional interest and career choice (Lent et al., 1994). The present study examined the relationships between career interest development in the Lent et al. (1994) model of SCCT as they pertain to clinical psychology doctoral students (n=126) and the field of geropsychology. This survey-based study examined the relationship between the variables of the SCCT model of interest development, including geropsychology self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and interest. Additional factors such as age, gender, race, knowledge regarding aging, as well as educational and clinical experience were also investigated. Analyses were conducted using correlations, multiple regression, and independent sample t-tests. Results support the SCCT model with positive relationships being found among SCCT variables. The role of knowledge, clinical contact, and graduate coursework in geropsychology is also discussed. This study provides initial evidence that the model of SCCT can be used in understanding interest development in working with this population. Future research should pursue additional work in measurement construction and the possibility of interventions focused on promoting interest in practice with this underserved population.
John J. Barrett, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Morell Mullins, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Wes Houston, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
164 p.
Clinical Psychology; Occupational Psychology
older people - psychology; social cognitive theory; vocational guidance

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Zec, A. J. (2012). Applying Social Cognitive Theory to Interest in Geropsychology Among Clinical Psychology Doctoral Students [Doctoral dissertation, Xavier University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=xavier1396719375

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Zec, Adrianna. Applying Social Cognitive Theory to Interest in Geropsychology Among Clinical Psychology Doctoral Students. 2012. Xavier University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=xavier1396719375.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Zec, Adrianna. "Applying Social Cognitive Theory to Interest in Geropsychology Among Clinical Psychology Doctoral Students." Doctoral dissertation, Xavier University, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=xavier1396719375

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

xavier1396719375
309
© 2012, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Xavier University Psychology and OhioLINK.