Career interests and self-efficacy beliefs among young adults with an intellectual disability

Work is important for people with disabilities, and fosters their career development and quality of life. Findings from social cognitive theory suggest that transition to work and work inclusion processes should be based on opportunities to explore the world of work, awareness of professional options, and consideration of career interests and self-efficacy beliefs. This study was aimed at verifying whether people with an intellectual disability present interests and self-efficacy beliefs in less complex occupations, and whether self-efficacy beliefs can predict career interests, similar to results observed with individuals without intellectual disability. The study also investigated differences associated with intellectual disability level and with gender. One hundred and twenty-nine young adults with intellectual disability were interviewed about their interests in and self-efficacy beliefs concerning occupations in six different occupational areas (realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising, and conventional). The results showed that participants with intellectual disability tended to be interested in, and have higher self-efficacy belief levels, in low-to-mid-complexity occupations and also showed the predictive role of self-efficacy beliefs. Contrary to expectations, however, no intellectual disability level or gender effects were observed. The findings underscore the importance of very early vocational guidance activities that emphasise these aspects in helping persons with intellectual disability set their professional goals.