Influence Of Selected Self-Awareness Aspects On Vocational Choices Among Youths In Taita Taveta County, Kenya

ABSTRACT

Despite studies revealing that self-awareness is important when choosing a vocation, few studies have been conducted on influence of various aspects of self-awareness on vocational choices especially among youths. To address this gap, the study determined the influence of awareness of selected personal aspects (strengths, interests and values) on vocational choices among youths in Taita Taveta County, Kenya. The study was guided by Frank Parsons’ (1854-1908) trait and factor theory that identifies self-awareness as a significant element in choosing a vocation among youths. Descriptive survey design was used in the study that entailed multi-stage sampling of 384 youths from an accessible target population of 3,451 youths aged 18 to 34 years in the county. A researcher developed questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was analyzed using descriptive techniques such as frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 and were presented in tables. The findings revealed that youths indicated high awareness levels of both selected personal aspects and vocational choice requirements. The findings also showed that awareness of selected personal aspects influenced vocational choices among youths. Guidance and counselling, personality tests, self-awareness trainings among others were suggested by youths as some of the psychosocial interventions that may enhance awareness of selected personal aspects among them to facilitate informed vocational choices. Based on the findings the study recommends that youth development stakeholders in the county should be sensitized on the importance of awareness of selected personal aspects in enabling youths make informed vocational choices.