The Relationship between COVID-19 related Stressors and Career Anxiety in College Students: The Mediating Effect of Work Volition and The Moderating Effect of Intolerance of Uncertainty

Objectives The purpose of this study was to empirically investigate the mediating effect of the sub-factors of work volition, volition and constraints and the moderating effect of intolerance of uncertainty in the relationship between COVID-19 stressors and career anxiety. Methods 288 college students aged 19 to 28, who were enrolled in a 4-year university, were surveyed online through the survey company INVIGHT from January 17th to January 20th, 2022, during the fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the collected data, the parallel multiple mediated effect was examined using Model 4 of PROCESS MACRO 3.5, and the mediating and moderating effects were examined using Model 5. Results First, the results confirmed a parallel multiple mediated effect of the sub-factors of work volition, volition and constraints, in the relationship between COVID-19 related stressors and career anxiety, indicating that constraints mediated the relationship. However, the mediating effect of volition was not significant. Second, it was found that intolerance of uncertainty moderated the relationship between COVID-19 related stressors and career anxiety. Conclusions As Korean college students experience more COVID-19 related stressors, their perception of constraints increases, leading to higher levels of career anxiety. Additionally, higher levels of intolerance of uncertainty intensify the impact of COVID-19 related stressors on career anxiety. Based on findings, the implication of the current finding in counseling practice, limitations of the study, and suggestions for further research were discussed.