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Abstract
The overarching goal of this dissertation research was to explore the developmental trajectory of occupational aspirations. The first study examined the complex phenomenon of intra-individual and inter-individual differences in and the potential predictors of those differences on career aspirations development over a 12-year period. Results indicated that a curvilinear trend may exist where positive career aspirations tend to decline markedly as adolescents transition from school to postsecondary education, work, and adult life. Socioeconomic status (SES) played an important role in establishing initial career aspirations, while gender and race shaped aspirations in high school and into young adulthood. The second study explored the complex phenomenon of intra-individual and inter-individual differences in career aspirations development, factors influencing the development and applicability of career development theories originating in Western countries with Korean adolescents. Results suggested that the career aspirations of Korean adolescents differed in prestige level at grade 7 when examined by gender and socioeconomic status. In addition, the rate of change and a decreasing trajectory from junior high school to the first year of high school existed. Females held lower aspirations than males. Potentially important initial differences in the development of career aspirations based on curriculum track were also detected. Overall, the study lends support to the notion that Western-based theories of career development are relevant to Korean adolescents but that ages at which certain developmental tasks occur may be different given cultural differences. The third study investigated the impact of a dual curriculum focus on occupational aspirations and their long-term effects. The unweighted latent growth model indicated that individuals show a decreasing trend in occupational aspirations. While the curriculum track was significantly associated with initial level, the rate of change was not significantly associated with the curriculum track. Results from the weighted latent growth model analyses revealed different findings. Initial levels of occupational aspirations in the two comparison groups were not different, nor were the rate of change in career aspirations significantly related to curriculum track, although the trajectories showed the same decreasing pattern. Overall, the study advances our understanding of the developmental nature of career aspirations by demonstrating that career aspirations change over time. The dissertation