Perceived Career Barriers as a Mediator Between Career Adaptability and Life Satisfaction

Abstract

Career adaptability is a widespread concept that is embedded in the career construction theory, the essence of which is that the individual integrates their professional self-image into their career during career development. The relationship between career adaptability and life satisfaction among university students has not yet been clarified. Perceived career barriers occur due to the rapid changes and developments on a global scale expose all individuals to ongoing problems and barriers which they may not be able to cope with. These barriers can be interpreted subjectively, that is, what represents a barrier for an individual, may not be one for another. This study examining the relationship between career adaptability and life satisfaction and the perceived barriers with potentially mediating effects. A total of 562 students from the psychology and special education faculty were surveyed. Results show that career adaptability predicts life satisfaction, moreover, this relationship is mediated by perceived career barriers and coping efficacy of perceived career barriers. The aim of the research was to gain a clearer picture of university students’ career development, and to help the work of career counseling centers, which aim at reducing attrition rate. The results suggest that it is worthwhile to increase career adaptability and to identify perceived barriers to facilitate a smoother career development process.