The major-interest congruence of Dutch first year students, and the influence of parents and peers

Abstract

In this study the influence of parents and peers on the college major choice process is examined. Using the RIASEC questionnaire, interest profiles were determined and linked to whether congruence exists between student interest profile and their choice of major. The article will look at whether or not influence of parents and peers can be linked to a higher or lower level of major-interest congruence. Participants consisted of 72 students enrolled in first year classes at the Social Sciences faculty of Utrecht University. The results showed no significant correlations for the hypotheses. Parental steering and peer influences had a low negative correlation with major-interest congruence. In contrast to the second hypothesis parental encouragement and support also had a low negative correlation with major-interest congruence.