Relationship between career maturity, psychological separation, and occupational self-efficacy of postgraduates: moderating effect of registered residence type

Abstract

Background With the slowdown of economic growth and the increasing pressure of employment competition worldwide during the normalized epidemic prevention and control, the job-hunting intention and behavior of college graduates deserve in-depth study. This study explores the relationship between the career maturity, psychological separation and occupational self-efficacy of postgraduates, and provides a theoretical basis for improving their career maturity. Methods A questionnaire survey was carried out on postgraduates with 584 valid data in China by using the Career Maturity Scale, Psychological Separation Scale and the Occupational Self-efficacy Scale. A structural equation model and bias-corrected self-sampling method were adopted to explore their relationship. The moderating effect of registered residence type was tested. Results The results show that: (1) The higher the level of psychological separation of postgraduates, the higher their career maturity. (2) Occupational self-efficacy plays a mediating role in the process of psychological separation promoting career maturity. (3) The registered residence type moderates the latter half of the mediating process of psychological separation, occupational self-efficacy, and career maturity. Moreover, occupational self-efficacy plays a more significant role in promoting the career maturity of postgraduates with rural registered residence. Conclusions This study reveals the relationship between the career maturity, psychological separation and occupational self-efficacy of postgraduates. At the same time, it also verifies the mediating role of occupational self-efficacy and the moderating role of registered residence type. The result is helpful for postgraduates to understand the level of their career maturity and improve their career decision-making level and career development ability.