The Paths Between Gender, Barriers, Social Support, Coping Efficacy, and Educational Goals

The twofold aim of this study was first to extend results on the career choice model previously obtained with students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and to gauge the relevance of including self-efficacy for coping with barriers in this model. The second aim was to examine whether examined paths varied according to gender. We investigated the paths between social support, barriers, barrier-coping efficacy, and goals in a sample of 215 students drawn from disciplines where men are underrepresented. In line with the hypothetical model, results revealed significant paths between social support, barriers, barrier-coping efficacy, and goals. Moreover, these paths did not vary according to gender. Results are discussed with reference to the literature and in terms of their practical implications.