The Relationship between Academic Performance, Achievement Motivation and Career Adaptability of Chinese High School Students

Abstract

Given the importance of career adaptability to personal career and success, there is growing interest in how to cultivate youth’s career adaptability in schools. This study explores the predictors of career adaptability and examines the mediating role of academic performance in the relationship between achievement motivation and career adaptability. Using the survey data of 149 Chinese high school students, a series of regression models find that academic motivation and academic performance have significant effects on career adaptability, as well as its four dimensions namely career concern, career control, career curiosity and career confidence. Structural equation modeling further shows that achievement motivation can not only directly affect career adaptability, but also indirectly affect career adaptability through academic performance after controlling for the effects of gender, location, parent education, family social economic status. Research limitations and practical implications are finally discussed.