Social support, social comparison, and career adaptability: A moderated mediation model

Our aim in this study was to identify the social factors that underpin the career adaptability of college graduates in China by examining the effects of social support and career self-efficacy on career adaptability among a sample of 879 Chinese college graduates. We also emphasized the moderating role of social comparison in influencing this relationship. The results showed that, (a) social support enhanced career adaptability, (b) career self-efficacy played a mediating role in the relationship between social support and career adaptability, and (c) social comparison orientation moderated the mediation model; specifically, a high social comparison orientation weakened the enhancing effect of social support on career self-efficacy and career adaptability. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.