Success in the sciences: potential influences of sex role conflict, self-efficacy, and role modeling on women\u27s career aspirations

摘要

A discrepancy exists between the number of men and women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). To investigate this discrepancy, this study examined a model assessing the potential influence of multiple variables on the career aspirations of women pursuing these degrees. Two hundred thirty-two first and second-year women majoring in STEM fields completed measures assessing quality and quantity of role modeling relationships, STEM self-efficacy, STEM interests, sex role conflict, and career aspirations. Quality of role modeling relationships and STEM self-efficacy significantly predicted career aspirations. STEM self-efficacy did not mediate the relation between quality of role modeling relationships and career aspirations. Findings highlight the importance of role modeling relationships and STEM self-efficacy for women pursuing careers in STEM fields.