Social Support, Career Decision Making and, Self-Efficacy as Predictors of Achievement Behavior Among Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

The increasing academic and career-related stress among university students motivated this research to analyze the factors that help students succeed in their educational and professional lives.  The study examined the relationship between social support, self-efficacy, career decision-making, and achievement behavior among university students in Pakistan. A quantitative research method was used, with data collected from 343 university students through standardized questionnaires. Social support was found to have a positive influence on students' self-efficacy, career decision-making, and achievement behavior. Self-efficacy and career decision-making were identified as strong predictors of achievement behavior. Students who received emotional, informational, and practical support showed higher levels of confidence in their abilities and made better career decisions. The study highlighted the importance of a supportive environment in reducing confusion in career choices, especially in the context of Pakistani culture, where family and community opinions are highly valued.