Career identity and the complex mediating relationships between career preparatory actions and career progress markers

• Published in: Journal of vocational behavior Vol. 87; pp. 145 - 153
• Main Authors: Praskova, Anna, Creed, Peter A., Hood, Michelle
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Philadelphia Elsevier Inc 01.04.2015; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Career calling; Career development planning; Career distress; Career exploration; Career identity; Career planning; Identity; Occupational psychology; Organizational behavior; Perceived employability; Perceptions; Studies; Younger workers; Career distress; Career calling; Perceived employability; Career planning; Career identity; Career exploration
• ISSN: 0001-8791; 1095-9084
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jvb.2015.01.001

We tested a cross-sectional, moderated-mediation model of career identity in young adults (N=667, 72.9% female, mean age=20years). In this model, career preparatory activities (career exploration and planning) were associated with perceptions of future employability and career distress. These relationships were mediated by career identity, and career identity was conditional upon level of career calling. We found that career exploration was associated with more career distress, while career planning was associated with less, and both career exploration and planning were associated with higher perceived employability. Career identity mediated between career exploration and planning and both outcomes, and these mediated relationships were stronger when career calling was higher. We interpreted the results from career construction, identity, and exploration perspectives; highlighted the applicability of these perspectives in the development of agency, career calling, and career identity; and made recommendations for testing other theory-based moderators. •Influencers and outcomes of career identity are rarely tested in a single study.•Career identity mediates the career preparation→career outcomes relationships.•Career calling strengthens (moderates) the mediation relationships.•Exploring, planning, and pursuing career dreams enhance career progress & wellness.