Date of Award

Spring 8-1-1992

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Communication Disorders and Counseling, School, and Educational Psychology

First Advisor

Michele Boyer

Second Advisor

Reece Chaney

Third Advisor

Walter L. Sullins

Abstract

While women's career development is beginning to be addressed in the literature, little is known about the variables which influence women's career achievement. The purpose of this study was to identify a subset of family variables which would predict career achievement for women. This study investigated the differences between high and low achievement women with respect to the following variables: marital/relationship status, number of children, parental education levels, parental occupation levels, birth order, relationship with parents (support, rejection, overinvolvement) and general family functioning. iii The participants were 140 women between the ages of 25 and 45 who were employed full time outside the home. Surveys included the General Family Functioning scale of the Family Assessment Device (FAD), the short form of the EMBU (Egna Minnen Betraffande Uppfostran or Own Memories of Child-Rearing Experiences), and a demographic questionnaire. Results of the multiple discriminant analysis indicated that five of the family variables were significant predictors of career achievement for women (number of children, father's occupation, mother's education level, birth order, and father's education level) . The discriminant function was statistically significant. High achievement women were more likely to have fewer children, be first born (or only) children and have high status parents. The family of origin general functioning and parental relationship variables did not discriminate achievement group membership. The results of the qualitative data analysis indicated that more high achievement women attribute their success to others, in addition to themselves, and are often able to identify a mentor who has assisted them. Considerable husband/partner support for career activities was identified by both groups. Participants also named a variety of experiences which had influenced their career status. The implications of these results are discussed and recommendations are made for future research.

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