EFFECT OF CAREER CHOICE AND PARENTAL SUPPORT TO STUDENT’S ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AS MEDIATED BY PSYCHOLOGICAL ADJUSTMENT

This study aimed to investigate the effect of career choice and parental support on academic performance, as mediated by psychological adjustment. The author of the present study aims to broaden and fill in gaps from the early studies involving these two factors, the career choice and parental support. The sample included 195 freshman engineering students from St. Peter's College in Iligan City, Philippines. The participants completed questionnaires on their career choice, parental support, psychological adjustment, and academic performance. The results showed that career choice and parental support had a significant direct effect on academic performance. Additionally, psychological adjustment significantly mediated the relationship between career choice and academic performance, as well as between parental support and academic performance. Students who reported high levels of psychological adjustment showed better academic performance compared to those with low or moderate levels of psychological adjustment. These findings highlight the importance of considering the role of the psychological adjustment in the relationship between the career choice, parental support, and academic performance. The study recommends that schools should provide career guidance programs and parental support to help students achieve better psychological adjustment, which can ultimately improve their academic performance. The research also includes ideas for future study.