Self-Construal, Career decision self-efficacy, and perceived barriers predict Mexican American women's life satisfaction

This study used the social cognitive theory of well-being (SCTW; Lent,) to examine the role of career decision self-efficacy (CDSE), perceived educational barriers, and independent self-construal on the life satisfaction of 176 Mexican American college women. A 3-step hierarchical regression analysis indicated that independent self-construal, CDSE, and fewer perceived educational barriers significantly predicted greater life satisfaction among Mexican American college women above and beyond the influence of socioeconomic status and generational status. These findings are consistent with SCTW and highlight the need for counselors and researchers to be aware of the role that self-construal, CDSE, and perceived educational barriers can have on Mexican American women's life satisfaction. Implications for practice at the secondary-school and university levels are discussed.