Dong-A University PhD Candidate Yoonjin Cho Wins Excellence Award at Korean Youth Studies Association Paper Contest

Jo Yoon-jin, a doctoral candidate in Educational Psychology at the Graduate School of Education, Dong-A University, received an Excellence Award at the Graduate Student Thesis Competition hosted by the Korean Society for Youth Studies.

Jo presented a paper titled "The Mediating Effect of Career Decision Self-Efficacy on the Relationship Between Perceived Autonomy Support from Parents and Teachers and Career Preparation Behavior Among High School Students" at the competition.

This paper examined the relationship between the level of support from parents and teachers regarding high school students' careers and the students' career exploration and decision-making processes.

Ph.D. candidate Yoonjin Cho at Dong-A University.

The study found that emotional care and support for autonomous choice from parents and teachers positively influence high school students' career decision self-efficacy and career preparation behaviors, whereas excessive control or suppression regarding career decisions has a negative impact.

Jo emphasized, "For the successful implementation of the 'High School Credit System,' which the Ministry of Education plans to introduce in all high schools starting in 2025, it is crucial to guarantee students' learning choices and to create a school environment that enables students to actively and proactively plan their careers."

She also explained, "Since autonomy support from teachers and parents affects high school students' career preparation behaviors, it is urgent to develop parent counseling programs and teacher training programs that can strengthen autonomy support from parents and teachers."

Currently, Jo Yoon-jin serves as the director of the 'Jinsim+ Counseling Center,' providing counseling to middle and high school students facing concerns and psychological difficulties related to career, college entrance, and learning.