Career adaptability, future time perspective, and career anxiety among undergraduate students: A cross-national comparison

Career adaptability is a crucial psychosocial resource for students, especially in unpredictable times that require heightened flexibility in the face of challenges and changes. More generally, students need adaptability resources to overcome negative career-related emotions that contribute to career indecision. This study examines career adaptability and its relationship to career anxiety and future time perspective (FTP). Using responses from undergraduate students at universities in China and the United States, this study empirically demonstrates that career adaptability is partially related to career anxiety, while FTP is negatively related to career anxiety. FTP also partially mediates the relationship between career adaptability and career anxiety. Additionally, this study found these significant relationships were more noticeable with the American student group than the Chinese student group, implying that cultural differences affect the relationships among the studied variables. Contributions and implications for career counselors are discussed. •Career adaptability is positively related to future time perspective.•Career adaptability is partially related to career anxiety.•Future time perspective is negatively related to career anxiety.•Future time perspective mediates between career adaptability and career anxiety.•Group differences exist in the relationships among the three studied variables.