Attitudinal factors related to the decision of academically capable students not to pursue post-secondary education

Abstract

This study examined attitudinal factors related to the decision of academically capable students not to pursue post-secondary education. Students and their parents were interviewed. It was found that the decision of the individual student was a result of the interaction of many beliefs and their corresponding attitudes. The attitudinal world of the student predisposed the young person to interpret information, form beliefs and modify attitudes in a particular way. The attitudinal effect was a mediational one, which contributed to the selection of an option. -- The study identified a sub-group of students with certain characteristics, both familial and attitudinal that led to the rejection of the post-secondary option. Parents were found to share common attitudes with their children and with other parents in the study. The information obtained can be used to identify capable students who will most likely forego the post-secondary option. The findings have implications for career guidance programs as it was found that for many students, their affective and value systems relating to career choices are not being explored and dealt with in effective ways.