How future temporal focus facilitates career exploration behavior: A trait activation perspective

Numerous studies have revealed the role of future temporal focus in guiding individual psychology and behavior; however, little attention has been paid to its influence on individuals’ career development. We conducted a time-lagged survey study with 643 Chinese medical student interns, drawing on the future temporal focus literature and trait activation theory to examine how and when future temporal focus influences individual career exploration behavior. We found that individuals with a higher future temporal focus tended to focus on the future and thus held more positive career outcome expectations, which, in turn, further promoted career exploration behavior. In addition, the external environment exerted great influence on individuals. When individuals received more (vs. less) career guidance, the relationship between future temporal focus and career exploration behavior via career outcome expectations was stronger. Theoretical and practical implications also discussed.