Career adaptability and graduates’ mental health: the mediating role of occupational future time perspective in higher education in China

Abstract

This study examines the mediating role of Occupational Future Time Perspective (OFTP) in the relationship between Career Adaptability and Mental Health among college graduates. Using a three-month, three-time-point survey of Chinese graduates (N = 905, ages 25–30), we found that Career Adaptability has a significant direct effect on Mental Health. Among OFTP dimensions, Focus on Opportunities emerged as a key mediator, highlighting its role in linking Career Adaptability to positive mental health outcomes. However, Perceived Remaining Time and Focus on Limitations did not show significant mediation effects. These findings underscore the value of fostering opportunity-focused perspectives in career counseling and educational interventions to support graduates’ mental health.