FAMILY AND CAREER CHOICE IN ADOLESCENCE: ASPECTS RELATED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF CAREER MATURITY

Abstract

Career choice during adolescence is a complex process influenced by individual, family, school, and social factors, with the family playing a central role in the development of career maturity. In this context, the present study aimed to investigate how parents and guardians influence adolescents' career choice process, analyzing their contribution to the development of maturity in vocational decision-making. This is an exploratory qualitative field study conducted with seven third-year high school students from a private school in the municipality of Sousa, Paraíba, Brazil. Data were collected using the Career Maturity Scale (Escala de Maturidade para Escolha Profissional – EMEP) after approval by the Research Ethics Committee. The results showed higher scores in the Educational and Occupational Reality Knowledge dimension, indicating satisfactory access to information about educational programs and professions. However, lower levels of Responsibility, Independence, and Self-Knowledge were observed, revealing limitations related to career planning, autonomy, and recognition of personal potential. It is concluded that family influence plays a decisive role in the development of career maturity, and that dialogue, encouragement of autonomy, and career guidance are essential to promote more conscious, confident, and personally meaningful career decisions among adolescents.