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The present study was designed to explore task-specific occupational self-efficacy and occupational aspirations of arts and science students on Task-Specific Occupational Self-Efficacy Scale (Osipow & Rooney, 1990) and Occupational Aspirations Scale (Aziz & Kamal, 2009). The sample consisted of 200 students studying in F.A/F.Sc (100 Arts and 100 Science). Significant difference was observed in self-efficacy of arts and science students in verbal, interpersonal, quantitative, business, scientific, and physical skill. Mean scores and ranking of occupational aspirations of arts and science students showed that armed forces, psychologist, businessman, computer personnel, and civil/foreign service were most aspired occupations by arts students, whereas science students aspired for occupation of scientist, engineer, armed forces, computer personnel, and pilot. Implications for future research and recommendations for counseling to enhance the academic performance of students are outlined. Moreover, the applications of the TSOSS and OAS to investigate the real potentials and success in certain professions are discussed for the quality enhancement of personal-social development.
Key Words: Self-efficacy, Occupational aspirations, Career decision
Self-efficacy has emerged as a highly effective predictor of student motivation and learning. Self-efficacy as a performance-based measure of perceived capability differs conceptually and psychometrically from related motivational constructs, such as outcome expectations, selfconcept, or locus of control (Zimmerman, 2000). Bandura (1997) defined self-efficacy as "people's judgments of their capabilities to organize and execute courses of action required to attain designated type of performances. It is not concerned with the skills but with judgments of what one can do with whatever skills one possesses". Pajers (2005) viewed these self-efficacy beliefs as an essential element of individual's motivation, well-being, and personal accomplishment in all facets of life. Due to this, adolescents have little urge to persist in the case of challenges' unless their actions do not commensurate with their desires. Perceived efficacy is a significant determinant of career choice and development, and is pivotal in career pursuits (Bandura, 2000). Multon, Brown, and Lent viewed (1991) self-efficacy as an important construct in academic and vocational achievement and related to the initiation of career related activities. Task-Specific Occupational Self-efficacy Scale (TSOSS; Osipow & Rooney, 1990) was the first one that focused on particular domains and assessed individual's level of competence regarding specific tasks. Cleary and Zimmerman (2006) considered this multi-dimensionality in...