Role of Perfectionism in the Career Decision Self-Efficacy and Outcome Expectations of Asian American College Students

Based on Lent and Brown’s (2013) social cognitive career self-management model, we examined Asian American students’ career development process focusing on the role of cultural factors. Perfectionism is a salient construct in Asian culture and is related to a strong cultural emphasis on family obligations for academic and vocational achievement. Thus, its impact on Asian American students’ career decision self-efficacy and vocational outcome expectations was explored. Results indicated that perfectionism significantly explains career decision self-efficacy and vocational outcome expectations even after the effects of acculturation and enculturation were controlled. The findings present a new aspect of understanding Asian American students’ career development process, highlighting the importance of perfectionism among this group of students. Suggestions for future research directions, clinical implications, and limitations are provided.