TABLE 1.

Elements of social cognitive career theory

Element	Description
Interests	The evolving sense of what someone finds interesting or not
Self-efficacy	The sense of how well one can meet the tasks and expectations required of a field or area within a field
Mastery experiences	The feeling that one has mastered a difficult task, contributing to a sense of self-efficacy within a defined career domain
Vicarious learning	Learning by watching others like themselves make decisions and take action related to career development and then observing the results of those decisions
Social persuasion	Encouragement or discouragement from others
Affective states	The positive and negative emotions and feelings that arise within the context of performance within a field
Outcome expectations	Anticipation of the results of a potential career decision
Goals	Desired career objectives that guide career decisions and actions. Goals can shape, and be shaped by, self-efficacy and outcome expectations.
Contextual supports and barriers	Social as well as a professional space and various supports and barriers that can promote or impede progress toward career goals