How work well-being predicts the career intention of social sports instructors in China

The promotion of nationwide physical fitness in China has increased demand for social sports instructors, but challenges such as a severe shortage of practitioners hinder its development. Drawing on social cognitive career theory, in this study we explored whether work well-being predicts the career intention of social sports instructors. We found that work well-being positively predicted career intention through core self-evaluation. Specifically, job satisfaction and work engagement promoted career intention, whereas job burnout reduced career intention. Additionally, job satisfaction and work engagement enhanced core self-evaluation, whereas job burnout diminished it. The study has expanded research on career intentions in the sports instructor industry, proposing methods to enhance the attractiveness of the social sports profession, and offering recommendations for sustainable human resource development and nationwide physical fitness initiatives.