How Does Perceived Social Support Affect the Career Satisfaction of Chinese College Graduates in Their Early Careers? A Chain Mediation Model

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Bibliographic Details
Title: How Does Perceived Social Support Affect the Career Satisfaction of Chinese College Graduates in Their Early Careers? A Chain Mediation Model
Language: English
Authors: Chunze Song (ORCID 0000-0003-0533-5240), Xinpeng Xu (ORCID 0000-0002-5829-9960), Shahabuddin Bin Hashim (ORCID 0000-0002-2014-1973)
Source: International Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance. 2025 25(3):1101-1127.
Availability: Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 27
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Social Support Groups, Job Satisfaction, College Graduates, Foreign Countries, Entry Workers, Mediation Theory, Career Choice, Career Development, Vocational Adjustment, Decision Making, Self Efficacy, Self Concept Measures, Vocational Maturity
Geographic Terms: China
Assessment and Survey Identifiers: Career Decision Making Self Efficacy Scale
DOI: 10.1007/s10775-024-09667-6
ISSN: 0251-2513
1573-1782
Abstract: This study examines the associations between perceived social support, career adaptability, career decision-making self-efficacy, and career satisfaction among Chinese college graduates in their early careers. The research sample consisted of 571 Chinese college graduates who had job experience ranging from 6 months to 5 years. The sample included individuals with different educational backgrounds, including junior college graduates, bachelor's degrees, and postgraduates. There were no limitations imposed on the participants' field of major or work. The Chinese version of the Perceived Social Support Scale, the 12-item Career Adapt-Ability Scale-Short Form, the Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Career Satisfaction Scale were used for evaluating the study variables. Using Smart-PLS analysis, the findings suggest that perceived social support, career adaptability, career decision-making self-efficacy, and career satisfaction of Chinese college graduates at the beginning of their careers are positively correlated with each other. Moreover, career adaptability and career decision-making self-efficacy were found to play a mediating role, and a chain mediation effect exists. The results contribute to the development of a strategy to enhance the career adaptability of college students and individuals at the beginning of their working lives and to increase career satisfaction.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1497053
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This study examines the associations between perceived social support, career adaptability, career decision-making self-efficacy, and career satisfaction among Chinese college graduates in their early careers. The research sample consisted of 571 Chinese college graduates who had job experience ranging from 6 months to 5 years. The sample included individuals with different educational backgrounds, including junior college graduates, bachelor's degrees, and postgraduates. There were no limitations imposed on the participants' field of major or work. The Chinese version of the Perceived Social Support Scale, the 12-item Career Adapt-Ability Scale-Short Form, the Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Career Satisfaction Scale were used for evaluating the study variables. Using Smart-PLS analysis, the findings suggest that perceived social support, career adaptability, career decision-making self-efficacy, and career satisfaction of Chinese college graduates at the beginning of their careers are positively correlated with each other. Moreover, career adaptability and career decision-making self-efficacy were found to play a mediating role, and a chain mediation effect exists. The results contribute to the development of a strategy to enhance the career adaptability of college students and individuals at the beginning of their working lives and to increase career satisfaction.
ISSN:0251-2513
1573-1782
DOI:10.1007/s10775-024-09667-6