Work

A Latent Class Analysis Predicting STEM Career Interest and Perceptions of Barriers

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT During adolescence, individuals make key decisions about coursework, and career paths, including paths toward careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This study identified groups of adolescents who vary in STEM career interests, feelings of support, and perceptions of barriers in STEM and explored what factors predict group membership. Using a latent class analysis with a sample of 473 9th and 10th grade students from public schools in the Southeastern United States (Mage = 15.14, 48.4% White and 43.6% female), 4 distinct classes of adolescents were identified: low STEM, supported with barriers (38.2%), high STEM with barriers (26%), high STEM without barriers (21.6%), and low STEM with high barriers (14.2%). The likelihood of membership in the high STEM without barriers class was higher for participants who reported greater STEM class belonging, growth mindset, and engagement. Efforts to promote continued STEM trajectories may focus on belonging, mindsets, and fostering STEM engagement.

Source: Social Development

DOI: 10.1111/sode.12793

Authors: Kelly Lynn Mulvey, Jacqueline Cerda‐Smith, Angelina Joy, Emine Ozturk

Institutions: North Carolina State University, Illinois State University, Purdue University West Lafayette, Arizona State University

Language: English

Topic: Career Development and Diversity

Subfield: Safety Research

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,460