Vocational Indecision in Panamanian Youth a State of the Art Review of Associated Factors

Abstract

Introduction: Vocational indecision is a salient phenomenon during adolescence, a developmental stage that is pivotal for shaping life projects and making choices with lasting implications for well-being, educational trajectories, and labor market integration. Objective: This study aims to examine, through a systematic review of literature published between 2015 and 2025, the personal, cultural, social, and educational factors influencing vocational indecision among secondary school students in Panama, as well as the theoretical models applied to its analysis. Methodology: A comprehensive search was conducted in Scielo, Redalyc, Google Scholar, and national repositories. From 58 identified documents, 25 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed through thematic content analysis. Results: The analysis of the literature identified that the personal dimension includes limitations in self-awareness, goal clarity, and access to strategic information. The cultural dimension reflects the influence of gender stereotypes and occupational hierarchies that narrow the perceived options. In the social dimension, family expectations, socioeconomic conditions, and peer influence affect the vocational process. Finally, the educational dimension shows insufficient alignment between the educational offer and the labor market, along with guidance programs of uneven coverage. Conclusions: The lack of a systematic theoretical-methodological framework hinders a comprehensive understanding of vocational indecision in Panama and the formulation of strategies grounded in contextualized evidence. Future research should prioritize integrated approaches, validation of locally adapted measurement instruments, and rigorous evaluation of guidance strategies to reduce indecision and promote academic and career pathways.