The impact of the transition from primary to secondary school on occupational choice in adolescents: a retrospective study

Background: Occupational choice has received little attention in research, with most research conducted thus far focusing on disadvantaged individuals. Literature indicates that the transition from primary to secondary school is a pivotal period in an adolescent’s life, and as adolescence can be a time where mental health issues become prominent, the importance of choosing meaningful and purposeful occupations cannot be underrated. Objective: This study retrospectively explored what informs the occupational choice of young adolescents, during the critical transition from primary to secondary school. It gained in-depth data from the perspective of older adolescents who reflected on their occupational choices made during this transition. Method: Semi- structured, photo elicited interviews were conducted with 5 participants exploring the constraints and sovereignty informing occupational choice. A broad qualitative approach was used, guided by a social constructivist and critical theory paradigm. Data was analysed using NVIVO and Braun and Clarkes (2006) stages of thematic analysis. Findings: Occupational choices are not autonomous and are contextually governed, as presented by 3 emerged themes: the person as an enabler and barrier to occupational choices, environmental contexts and the circle of influence surrounding individual’s lives. Conclusion: The findings highlight the role of contextual factors involved in occupational choice, providing insight into the external and internal nature of the decision-making processes with adolescents during a significant transition. Choices appear to have been made not only through personal interests, but necessitated actions to survive new peer and societal expectations, which have an implication on practice.