Personal agency as a predictor of future expectations: A structural equation analysis in students from Trujillo

This research analyzed the predictive capacity of personal agency on future expectations in students from a public educational institution in Trujillo, considering gender and age as moderating variables. The study employed a non-experimental design with a quantitative approach, using structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). A census sample of 339 fifth-year high school students was used. The instruments used were the Personal Agency Scale (ESAGE) and the Future Expectations Scale in Adolescence (EEFA). Results revealed that personal agency significantly predicts future expectations (β = 0.071, p = 0.049), with gender emerging as a crucial moderator (β = 0.649, p < 0.001), while age showed no significant moderating effect (β = -0.026, p = 0.844). The model explained 85% of the variance in future expectations and showed excellent fit indices (SRMR = 0.048, NFI= 0.952). Significant differences were found in how personal agency influences expectations according to gender, suggesting the need for differentiated educational interventions.