This study investigated the extent to which parents' socio-demographic factors such as age, educational qualification, type of education and socio-economic status influenced career choice conflict of senior secondary School students in Yenagoa local government area of Bayelsa State. To guide the study, four research questions were posed and four null hypotheses formulated. Ex- post facto research design was adopted for the study. The population for the study consists of 10,913 senior secondary School one (SS1) students in the approved government senior secondary schools in Yenagoa local government area of Bayelsa State. The sample size for the study was 150 SS1 students from the area of study. Multistage sampling technique was adopted in selecting the sample. A structured questionnaire titled Students' Career Choice Conflict Questionnaire (SCCCQ)' was used for data collection. The research questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as Mean and Standard Deviation while the hypotheses were tasted at 0.05 level using one-way ANOVA. The results of the study revealed that age range and socio-economic status level of parents do not significantly influence the Students'Career choice conflict. However, Parents' educational qualification as well as their type of education does significantly influence the students' career choice conflict. This study has educational implications on career choice conflict of students from highly qualified and educated parents from high schools such as University and secondary schools. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that significant career influencers such as friends, parents, members of the community and media personnel need to be equipped with correct career information for them to guide students appropriately.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Tittle page i

Approval page ii

Certification page iii

Dedication iv

Acknowledgements v

Table of contents vi

Abstract vii

Chapter One 

1.1 Background to the study 1

1.2 Statement of the problem 8

1.3 Purpose of the Study 9

1.4 Significance of the study 10

1.5 Scope of the study 11

1.6 Research Questions 11

1.7 Research Hypotheses 12

Chapter Two

Review of literature 14

2.1 Conceptual Framework

2.1.2 Concept of Socio-Demographic factors 14

2.1.2 Concept of Career 14

2.1.3 Concept of Career choice 20

2.2 Theoretical Framework 28

2.2.1 Donald Supper's Theory of Career Choice (1954) 28

2.2.2 Conflict Theory 30 

2.2.3 Contemporary Conflict  Theory31

2.3 Empirical Review 29

2.4 Summary of Literature Review 37

Chapter Three

Research Methodology 39

3.1 Design of the study 39

3.2 Population of the Study 39

3.3 Sample and Sampling Technique 39

3.4 Instrument for Data Collection 40

3.5 Validation of Instrument 41

3.6 Reliability of Instrument 42

Chapter Four

Data presentation, analysis and interpretation

4.1 Analysis of Research Questions 43

4.2 Testing of Hypotheses 44

4.3 Summary of findings 49

4.4 Discussion of findings 50

Chapter Five

5.1 Conclusions 53

5.2 Recommendations 54

5.3 Limitations of the study 55

5.4 Suggestions for Further Studies 55

References

Appendices