Effects of Social Capital on Career Development Competency Among Young People With Chronic Disabling Health Conditions: Mediating Role of Chronic Illness Self-Management

Abstract

This study explores how social capital and chronic illness self-management influence career development competency among young people with chronic disabling health conditions (YPCDHC) in Hong Kong. Using data from 485 participants aged 15–29, path analysis showed that school/workplace social capital had the strongest positive effects on career development competency. Health maintenance efficacy emerged as a central mediator, whereas coping with enacted stigma showed specific effects. Findings highlight the critical role of social capital, health maintenance efficacy, and coping with enacted stigma in supporting YPCDHC's school-to-work transitions and offer insights for targeted interventions to enhance career development and self-management skills.