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Adapt to Survive? Attenuating Indirect Effects of Career Adaptability on Exhaustion via Career Insecurity

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The present study analyzed whether career adaptability is negatively related to exhaustion. Based on the conservation of resources theory, we argue that career insecurity is a connecting variable in the link between career adaptability and exhaustion. We tested our assumptions using latent structural equation modeling across three measurement points (time-lagged design, 2-year time span altogether) with data from 885 young researchers (doctoral students and post-docs) in Germany working in different disciplines. The results showed that career adaptability (T1) was negatively related to career insecurity (T2), which subsequently was positively associated with exhaustion (T3). Moreover, exhaustion (T3) was indirectly affected by career adaptability (T1) via career insecurity (T2). We discuss these results against the background of the conservation of resources and career construction theory and its implications for future career and stress research and practice.

Source: Scandinavian Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology

DOI: 10.16993/sjwop.281

Authors: Daniel Spurk, Annabelle Hofer, Simone Kauffeld, Luisa Barthauer, Nora Nixon

Institution: University of Bern

Language: English

Topic: Stress and Burnout Research

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $515