Influence of career-related parental behaviors on Chinese pre-service preschool teachers’ major satisfaction: A two-wave serial mediation model

On the basis of career construction theory, this study examined the relationship between career-related parental behaviors and major satisfaction among Chinese pre-service preschool teachers, with career adaptability and career decision-making self-efficacy (CDSE) as mediators. Using data from a two-wave study of 600 participants, the results indicated that parental support and interference indirectly influenced major satisfaction through career adaptability and CDSE, while lack of engagement had a direct negative effect. These findings highlight the importance of considering both parental behaviors and individual factors in unstinting major satisfaction among Chinese pre-service preschool teachers.