Revisiting Career Decision-Making: Career Maturity as a Key Mediator Between Career Information and Students' Career Decisions

Nurfaizal; Badeni; Rita Sinthia; Yessy Elita; Mona Ardina; Ari Suningsih; Lisdwiana Kurniati

doi:10.56741/IISTR.jpes.002476

Authors

Nurfaizal Universitas Muhammadiyah Pringsewu https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3422-709X
Badeni Universitas Bengkulu https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5739-1589
Rita Sinthia Universitas Bengkulu https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8960-8822
Yessy Elita Universitas Bengkulu https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8484-200X
Mona Ardina Universitas Bengkulu https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6685-9131
Ari Suningsih
ari.suningsih@umpri.ac.id
Universitas Muhammadiyah Pringsewu https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0518-2379
Lisdwiana Kurniati Universitas Muhammadiyah Pringsewu https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5741-0244

Keywords:

Information Services, Self-efficacy, Parental Support, Planning Decisions

Abstract

Career information services are widely implemented in secondary schools to support students’ career decision-making; however, empirical evidence regarding their direct effectiveness remains inconclusive. This study examines the mediating role of career maturity in the relationship between career self-efficacy, parental social support, career information services, and career planning decisions among senior high school students. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed with data collected from 200 students through validated and reliable questionnaires. Path analysis using LISREL was conducted to test direct and indirect effects. The findings reveal that career self-efficacy, parental social support, and career information services significantly predict career maturity. Career maturity shows the strongest direct effect on career planning decisions. Notably, career information services do not directly influence career planning decisions but exert a substantial indirect effect through career maturity. These results suggest that providing career information without strengthening students’ career maturity may limit the effectiveness of career guidance programs. This study contributes to career development literature by empirically demonstrating the central mediating function of career maturity in adolescents’ career decision-making and offers practical implications for school-based career guidance interventions.

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Author Biographies

Nurfaizal, Universitas Muhammadiyah Pringsewu

is a lecturer and researcher in the field of Guidance and Counseling at Universitas Muhammadiyah Pringsewu (UMPRI), Indonesia. His research interests primarily focus on career counseling, career decision-making, counseling interventions, and educational psychology. Through his scholarly publications, he has contributed to the development of guidance and counseling practices and the enhancement of students' personal and career development. His academic works have gained recognition from the research community and have been cited by both national and international scholars. Currently, he is pursuing his doctoral studies at the University of Bengkulu, further strengthening his expertise and scholarly contributions in the field of Guidance and Counseling. (email: nurfaizal@umpri.ac.id).

Badeni, Universitas Bengkulu

is a Professor at the University of Bengkulu whose academic expertise centers on educational management and human resource development. His research focuses on organizational behavior, leadership, work motivation, and educational administration. He has contributed extensively through scientific publications and reference books that support the advancement of management and education studies. Through his academic activities, he has played a significant role in developing educational leadership and improving the quality of human resources in Indonesia. (badeni@unib.ac.id).

Rita Sinthia, Universitas Bengkulu

is a lecturer and researcher in the field of Guidance and Counseling at the University of Bengkulu. Her academic interests encompass psychology, career counseling, and mental health. Much of her research focuses on students' psychological development, including emotional regulation, self-confidence, and technology-based counseling services. Her publications demonstrate a significant contribution to advancing guidance and counseling studies in Indonesia. (email: ritasinthia@unib.ac.id).

Yessy Elita, Universitas Bengkulu

is a permanent lecturer in the Guidance and Counseling Study Program and holds the academic rank of Lecturer (Lektor) with a doctoral degree (Ph.D.). As an active academic, she is involved in the implementation of the three pillars of higher education, namely teaching, research, and community service. Her expertise in guidance and counseling supports the development of counseling services and the improvement of educational quality. Through her academic activities, she contributes to the advancement of guidance and counseling studies and the preparation of future professional educators and counselors. (email: yessyelita@gmail.com).

Mona Ardina, Universitas Bengkulu

is a permanent lecturer in the Early Childhood Teacher Education (PGPAUD) study program at the University of Bengkulu (UNIB). She holds a strong academic background with Bachelor's (S1) and Master's (S2) degrees in Psychology. As an active researcher, her research focus centers on Psychology and Early Childhood Education, including the development of instructional videos and science learning models. In addition to teaching, she also serves an important institutional role as the Head of the Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence (PPKS) within the university (email: monaardina@unib.ac.id).

Ari Suningsih, Universitas Muhammadiyah Pringsewu

is a mathematics lecturer whose research focuses on critical thinking and cognitive styles in mathematics learning. She holds a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree in Mathematics Education, reflecting a strong academic foundation in the field. Her scholarly interests center on developing instructional models that enhance students’ analytical and reflective thinking skills, particularly within geometry and problem-solving contexts. (email: ari.suningsih@umpri.ac.id).

Lisdwiana Kurniati, Universitas Muhammadiyah Pringsewu

is committed to developing innovative teaching practices that emphasize the enhancement of literacy, critical thinking skills, and character building through the teaching of the Indonesian language and literature. She is also actively engaged in strengthening the competencies of prospective Indonesian language teachers through academic activities, scholarly publications, and collaborative partnerships with various stakeholders in the field of education(email: kurniatilisdwiana@gmail.com).

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