How does perceived social support affect the career satisfaction of Chinese college graduates in their early careers? A chain mediation model

This study examines the associations between perceived social support, career adaptability, career decision-making self-efficacy, and career satisfaction among Chinese college graduates in their early careers. The research sample consisted of 571 Chinese college graduates who had job experience ranging from 6 months to 5 years. The sample included individuals with different educational backgrounds, including junior college graduates, bachelor’s degrees, and postgraduates. There were no limitations imposed on the participants’ field of major or work. The Chinese version of the Perceived Social Support Scale, the 12-item Career Adapt-Ability Scale-Short Form, the Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Career Satisfaction Scale were used for evaluating the study variables. Using Smart-PLS analysis, the findings suggest that perceived social support, career adaptability, career decision-making self-efficacy, and career satisfaction of Chinese college graduates at the beginning of their careers are positively correlated with each other. Moreover, career adaptability and career decision-making self-efficacy were found to play a mediating role, and a chain mediation effect exists. The results contribute to the development of a strategy to enhance the career adaptability of college students and individuals at the beginning of their working lives and to increase career satisfaction.