Psycho-Demographic Variables Influencing Adolescents Vocational Aspiration in Ibadan, Nigeria

Vocational aspiration is an important behavioural process a human being is expected to ponder on ever before career decision is made. This study examined the influence of psycho‐demographic and psychological variables on vocational aspirations among 250 adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria. Employing a correlational design, the research assessed the effects of four demographic factors (age, gender, religious affiliation, and parental education) and two psychological constructs (self‐concept and motivation) on vocational aspiration. Data were collected via a researcher‐developed instrument with established reliability (α = 0.67–0.76). Descriptive statistics characterized the sample; Pearson’s correlation revealed significant positive relationships between vocational aspiration and both self‐concept (r = 0.602, p < 0.01) and motivation (r = 0.685, p < 0.01). One‐way ANOVAs and t‑tests indicated no significant differences in vocational aspiration across demographic groups (p > .05 for all four variables). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that self‐concept (β = 0.305, p < 0.001) and motivation (β = 0.506, p < 0.001) jointly explained 53% of the variance in vocational aspiration (F(2, 247) = 139.64, p < 0.001). The findings suggest that intrinsic psychological factors are more salient predictors of career aspirations than demographic characteristics within this context. Implications include the development of culturally responsive career guidance interventions that prioritize self‐concept enhancement and motivational support to foster adaptive vocational decision‐making among adolescents.