Vocational identity as a mediator in the relationship between mindfulness and career adaptability among graduates in the early career stage

ABSTRACT

We investigated the mediating effect of vocational identity in the relationship between mindfulness and career adaptability among graduates in the early career stage. A quantitative survey research design was used to obtain data from 200 participants who were graduates from a higher education institution in South Africa. Variance-based structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed to investigate the conceptual model. Vocational identity acted as a mediator in the relationship between mindfulness and career adaptability. More specifically, a full mediation model was supported. We found that mindfulness does not have a direct relationship with career adaptability. However, being mindful predicts vocational identity, which in turn predicts career adaptability.

KEYWORDS:

• Career adaptability
• early career stage
• graduates
• mindfulness
• university-to-work transition
• vocational identity

Acknowledgement

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, Ronel Kleynhans, upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Natalia de Abreu

Natalia de Abreu is a master’s graduate in Industrial Psychology at the University of the Free State, South Africa. Her research interests include career counselling and development, and work-related well-being.

Ronel Kleynhans

Ronel Kleynhans is a Lecturer in the Department of Industrial Psychology at the University of the Free State, South Africa. Her research interests include career counselling and development, life-design counselling, and work-related well-being.

Petrus Nel

Petrus Nel is an Associate Professor in the Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. His research interests include psychological assessment, psychometrics, leadership development, and performance management.