Examining the influence of meaning in life and social connectedness on adolescents’ career self-efficacy

Abstract

Alfred Adler considered social interest may contribute to an individual’s sense of belonging and confidence to engage in intimacy, friendships and work. This study was conducted with 2,638 Chinese adolescents (mean age = 14.92, SD = 1.32) to investigate associations among variables of meaning in life, social connectedness, and career self-efficacy. Results demonstrated that presence of meaning appears to have a stronger degree of association with self-efficacy in career exploration, work habits and talent development, compared to searching for meaning. Furthermore, both dimensions of meaning in life had indirect effects on self-efficacy in career exploration, work habits and talent development through the mediating variable of connectedness to parents, peers, school, and teachers. The limitations of the study are discussed, and implications for future research and for school-based counseling programs are identified.