Mediating effect of career adaptability in levels of hope, satisfaction and depressive symptomatology in postgraduate students

Abstract

The objective of this study was to verify the mediating effect of career adaptability to hope, satisfaction in being a post-graduate student, and depressive symptomatology, as well as differences as a function of sociodemographic variables. A total of 2115 graduate students participated, with a mean age of 28.91 years (SD = 5.17), 51.8% of whom were Master's students, and 74.4% were female. Participants responded to the Career Adapt-abilities Scale, Cognitive Expectancy Scale, and Baptista Depression Scale - adult version. The results indicated higher levels of depressive symptomatology for fellow students and in the final phase of the course. The structural equations model indicated that career adaptability has a mediating effect over hope and depressive symptomatology, as well as self-centered hope and satisfaction on being a post-graduate student directly influence the level of career adaptability and depressive symptoms.