Abstract:

This research seeks to explore the professional projects, interests, self-concept and coping strategies of a group of immigrant Angolan students in Portugal undertaking their higher studies. The study included 67 Angolan young adults of both sexes (32, 47.86 girls, and 35%, 52.2% boys), aged between 17 to 20 years (μ=19±.78), having been assessed by the Self-Directed Search (Holland, 1973), the Scale of Self-Concept and Self-Esteem (Peixoto, Martins, Woods & Miller, 1997), and Scale of Coping Strategies (Francis et al, 2003). Results indicate the existence of statistically significant differences between boys and girls only in Artistic interests, in favor of girls, and the lack of differences in the average scores of both sexes in the dimensions of self-concept and the preferential use of individual coping styles There is a significant positive association, although weak, between sex and Artistic interests, as well as between preferred coping style centered on the individual, school competence, behavior, and Realistic and Artistic interests and course area. Considering the self-concept dimensions there are positive and statistically significant correlations between physical appearance and expectations of schooling and self-esteem and expectations of schooling. Understanding these dimensions may be important in organizing activities aimed at helping them feel more confident in the construction of realistic vocational projects.

Keywords:

Professional projects, interests, self-concept, coping strategies, Angolan.