Linking career decision regret to psychological well-being: serial mediation of vocational outcome expectations and proactive career behaviors

In this current study, the serial mediating role of vocational outcome expectations and proactive career behavior in the relationship between career decision regret and psychological well-being was examined. The study includes 528 university students, with 400 (75.75%) being female and 128 (24.25%) male. The ages of participants in the study range from 18 to 25 (Mean = 21.25, SD = 1.65). The research data has been collected with Career Decision Regret Scale, Vocational Outcome Expectations Scale, Career Engagement Scale and Psychological Well-Being Scale. Mediation analyses in the research were carried out using the Process Macro Model 6. The serial mediation analysis revealed several key findings. Career decision regret had a negative predictive effect on psychological well-being, vocational outcome expectations and proactive career behavior. Vocational outcome expectations positively predicted proactive career behavior and psychological well-being. Proactive career behavior had a positive effect on psychological well-being. Moreover, it was observed that vocational outcome expectations and proactive career behavior played a significant serial mediation role in the relationship between career decision regret and psychological well-being. This current study reveals important results regarding understanding the mediating role of vocational outcome expectations and proactive career behavior in the relationship between career decision regret and psychological well-being in university students. The obtained results help us better understand the impact of career decisions on the overall well-being of university students.