Career Decision Confidence in Pakistani Youth: An Evaluation of General and Psychometric Counseling

ABSTRACT The study aimed to validate Career Decision Self Efficacy Scale in the Pakistani context. Based on the results obtained after administering the instrument, the study also aimed to find which career counseling approach are more appropriate amongst Pakistani youth to choose their career confidently. The Career Decision Self Efficacy questionnaire was filled by the 1445 Pakistani students who have experienced some kind of counseling. This questionnaire measured students’ level of belief or self‐confidence in their own ability to successfully complete the tasks necessary for making career decisions. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and internal consistency were measured to validate the tool. The findings clearly revealed that the students who achieved counseling through psychometric testing had more confidence in career decision making ability compared to those who acquired counseling through general counseling and guidance.