Exploring Career Paths: The Role of Self-Efficacy and Outcome Expectations in Shaping Career Choices for Students with Disabilities

Abstract

This study explored the role of self-efficacy and outcome expectations which are pivotal in shaping career aspirations, decisions, and readiness for professional pathways for adolescents with disabilities. The research employs a systematic review of studies, analyzing existing literature to explore the multidimensional factors influencing career decisions among adolescents with disabilities and how self-efficacy and outcome expectations interact with other critical factors. Data were gathered from five data bases: Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, ProQuest, and ERIC. In total, 35 of 165 articles were selected from both quantitative and qualitative studies in English from 2015 to 2024. The findings highlighted the role of tailored career counselling services in enhancing self-efficacy, refining outcome expectations, and equipping students with the skills necessary for successful transitions to employment or higher education. By bridging theoretical insights with practical interventions, this review offers actionable recommendations to improve career readiness and outcomes for students with disabilities, addressing a critical gap in supporting this underserved population.