Self-Image, Personality Traits, and Career Choice Among Senior High School Students in Ghana: Gender Differences, Predictive Factors, and Implications for Career Counseling

Mr. Ndoye, Joshua-Luther Ndoye
Lecturer
  +233244974097
  jlnupoalkpajor@uew.edu.gh
Profile
Publications

Authors
JOSHUA-LUTHER NDOYE UPOALKPAJOR & Marietta D. Subida
Publication Year
2026
Article Title
Self-Image, Personality Traits, and Career Choice Among Senior High School Students in Ghana: Gender Differences, Predictive Factors, and Implications for Career Counseling
Journal
International Journal of Scientific Research and Management (IJSRM)
Volume
14
Issue Number
06
Page Numbers
2758-2770
DOI
https://doi.org/10.18535/ijsrm/v14i06.sh05
ISSN
2321-3418
Website Url
https://ijsrm.net/index.php/ijsrm/article/view/...
Abstract

This study examined the relationship between self-image, personality traits, and career choice among Senior High School (SHS) students in Ghana’s Effutu Municipality, along with the effectiveness of a career development intervention. Using a quantitative correlational and quasi-experimental design, data were collected from 336 students (68.5% male) at Winneba Senior High School. Measures included the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Big Five Inventory. Results showed high levels of self-image (70.2%) and positive traits (98.2%), but these had weak, non-significant correlations with career choice factors (r = 0.002–0.027). Personal (M = 3.41) and economic/environmental factors (M = 2.94) most influenced career choices, while social factors had minimal impact (M = 2.44). Significant gender differences emerged in self-image, personality, and social influences. Regression analysis revealed that self-image and traits explained only 0.5% of variance in career choice. However, the intervention significantly improved career decision-making knowledge (mean difference = 1.42, p < .001). Findings suggest students prioritize economic and personal considerations over psychological factors, underscoring the need for context-sensitive career counseling.

Policy Contributions

Instead of Psychological characteristics affecting a student's Career Choice, practical and contextual needs heavily dictate Career Choices: personal interest/talents, job security, earning potential, and available employment opportunities all factor heavily into a student's decision-making process. Additionally, significant differences were found between genders with regard to Self-Image, Personality Traits, Knowledge of Career Counselling Programs, and Social Influences on Career Choice. Further, although psychological characteristics had minimal predictive capability regarding Career Choice, the Career Counselling Intervention Program helped increase students’ knowledge and awareness of Career Decision-Making. Therefore, Career Counselling Programs in SHS's are an effective and important tool for providing students with the means by which to make informed Career Choices. Finally, the findings demonstrate how socio-economic factors in Ghana play an important role in how a student makes a Career Decision and that Career Development Theories should be evaluated in the context of those socio-economic conditions. The research conducted by this study leads to the conclusion that the positive self-perceptions and personality characteristics that exist among Senior High School students in Ghana are outdone and overshadowed by the economic and practical realities that drive their career decisions. To support students in making informed, realistic, and fulfilling career choices that will match demands placed on them by the labor market, a sustained and systematically integrated approach is required through Career Counselling Programmes that are tailored to meet the specific needs of the students. To meet the needs of Senior High School students in Ghana, Career Counselling Programmes must contain more than just relying on an individual's personality characteristics to guide students on decisions related to their future careers; rather there is a strong need for Career Counselling Programmes to use Labour Market Infor

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