Investigation of the relationship between career decision self-efficacy and adolescent-parent relationships, procrastination behavior and psychological needs in high school students

This study examined the relationship between career decision-making selfefficacy, adolescent–parent relationships, procrastination behavior, and psychological needs among high school students. The sample consisted of 593 students, including 326 females and 267 males, enrolled in the 2024–2025 academic year. A correlational research design was employed. Data were collected using the Career Decision-Making SelfEfficacy Scale, the Basic Psychological Needs Scale, the Adolescent–Parent Relationship Scale, and the Procrastination Tendency Scale. Independent samples t-test, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis were conducted.The results showed that career decision-making self-efficacy did not differ by gender or school type, but it differed by grade level. It was positively related to psychological needs and adolescent–parent relationships, and negatively related to procrastination behavior. Regression findings indicated that psychological needs positively predicted career decision-making selfefficacy, whereas procrastination behavior negatively predicted it. Adolescent–parent relationships were not a significant predictor. These findings highlight the importance of supporting psychological needs and reducing procrastination to enhance adolescents' career development.