Does fit perception influence career exploration in a relational context? The mediating role of career adaptability

Purpose This study aims to examine the relationship between contextual factors and career exploration. Career adaptability mediates the relationship between social support, sense of belonging and career exploration. Design/methodology/approach This quantitative study involved 291 undergraduates recruited from two universities in China. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Findings The results indicated that social support and sense of belonging were positively related to career adaptability. Career adaptability was found to be a mediator between relational predictors and career exploration. Contrary to our hypothesis, the direct path from sense of belonging to career exploration was insignificant. Originality/value This study highlights the importance of career adaptability in connecting contextual indicators and career exploration in the Chinese context.