CLINICAL TRAINING STUDIES
Training Study 2: Motivational Factors and the Development of Multicultural Self-Efficacy
The need for multicultural competence has gained much attention in the field of psychology over the years with research on how to integrate diversity themes into training programs. Studies reveal that implicit and explicit stereotypes exert influence over counselors’ perceptions of clients from different racial-ethnic backgrounds, which often perpetuate oppression against clients in the course of therapy. This study examines the necessary preconditions to build multicultural competence in training programs, including trainees’ self-efficacy and motivations in developing greater awareness of the macro and micro dimensions of discrimination.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
General Career Adaptability
This study is an empirical investigation of the Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) with middle and high school students. SCCT has primarily focused on the self, experiential, and contextual factors that influence cognition in promoting the pursuit of particular career paths. However, scholars have recently emphasized the need to incorporate the construct of self-management or factors that lead individuals to engage in behaviors that propel their educational and occupational progress (Lent & Brown, 2013). This study examines the role of career adaptability and career self-efficacy as well as their relationship to career exploration behaviors among students. We further examine students’ perceptions of their career barriers, their beliefs about gender roles, and the impact of their ethnic identities.
Latinx College Students
The Relationship Among Gender Roles, Self-Efficacy, Outcome Expectations and Career Search Activities
This study investigates how beliefs in gender roles can impact family planning and career development in Latina college-aged students. We look at how career decision self-efficacy and outcome expectations are influenced by three gender role frameworks (Marianismo, Traditional and Modern (egalitarian) gender roles, and Planning for Career and Family). We also investigate how career exploratory behaviors are associated with these gender role frameworks.
Cultural Resources and Career Development in Latinx Young Adults
This study focuses on the career development of Latinx college-aged individuals. Specifically, it examines how cultural resources may be related to recently proposed career constructs of career adaptability and self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and career search behavior. Broadly, we aim to understand how cultural wealth can be valued to bolster success, not just survivorship (Yosso, 2006).