Risk perception of coronavirus disease 2019 and career adaptability among college students: the mediating effect of hope and sense of mastery

Abstract

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has not only caused widespread economic recession but also had a serious negative impact on the employment of college students. However, little is known about the relationship and mechanisms between the risk perception of COVID-19 and career adaptability. This study aimed to examine whether the risk perception of COVID-19 is associated with career adaptability directly and indirectly through hope and a sense of mastery in college students. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 594 Chinese college students aged 16 to 25, who completed assessments on risk perception of COVID-19, career adaptability, hope, and sense of mastery. The results showed that susceptibility was negatively associated with career confidence, control, and curiosity; moreover, susceptibility indirectly affected career adaptability (including concern, confidence, control, and curiosity) through the sense of mastery; uncontrollable indirectly affected career concern through hope; and uncontrollable indirectly affected career adaptability (including concern, confidence, control, and curiosity) through hope and the sense of mastery. The findings emphasize the role of hope and a sense of mastery in the career adaptability of college students and reveal the necessity of improving hope and a sense of mastery to promote college students' career development. “Implications and limitations are discussed”.

The influence mechanism underlying meaning in life on career adaptability among college students: a chain intermediary model

“…This suggests that hope is an important mechanism mediating psychological adjustment (Cohen and Wills, 1985 ; Hagen et al, 2010 ). In this ever-changing world, hopeful individuals tend to have higher levels of career wellbeing (e.g., job satisfaction and career adaptability) to prepare for a successful life (Hirschi, 2014 ; Ding and Li, 2023 ). Yalçin and Malkoç ( 2015 ) found that meaning in life positively predicted hope among college students.…”

“…The key to career preparation for college students is improving their career adaptability, which is regarded as a core ability for career success (Hou et al, 2012 ). Research has shown that high levels of career adaptability can cushion the impact of environmental stressors, which in turn enhances wellbeing (Ding and Li, 2023 ). Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the factors influencing career adaptability to help students grow under the stress of the pandemic.…”

Potential Impact of COVID-19 on Medical Career Aspirations of Prospective Students

“…During the pandemic, the inherent risks of medical profession became apparent, leading to a reevaluation of commitment versus personal safety. 14 , 15 This dichotomy has posed challenges and introspection for many contemplating a journey to medicine and has manifest the profound and multifaceted aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the next generation of medical professionals shape their path, these repercussions will likely influence the structure of global healthcare for years to come.…”