Structural Validity of the Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy Scale for Thai Vocational Students: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis for Career Guidance Development.

This study aims to develop a model for Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy (CDMSE),
within the context of Thai society and to examine the alignment of its confirmatory
components with empirical data. The study employed Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA)
with a sample of 508 vocational students from technical colleges in Thailand in 2024. The
instrument used was an online questionnaire, Reviewed by experts in psychology. The
analysis results indicate that the model demonstrates a high level of alignment with empirical
data, as evidenced by the following fit indices: χ²=258.01, df=232, P-value=0.11589,
RMSEA=0.015, all of which fall within acceptable ranges. This study has both theoretical
and practical implications, confirming the suitability of the CDMSE model within the context
of Thai vocational students. It Serves as a crucial foundation for developing an effective
career guidance system that enhances vocational students’ confidence in making appropriate
career choices, ultimately reducing unemployment and addressing the future shortage of
skilled labor. It can be concluded that the Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy Scale for
Thai Vocational Students, this study plays a vital role in supporting the development of
specialized programs to enhance vocational students' decision-making capabilities regarding
career choices. It fosters a deeper understanding of career development within the context of
the educational system and labor market demands. The findings from this study can be
applied to the design of career guidance curricula, the formulation of education and labor
policies, and national workforce planning.