Effects of positive psychological capital and growth mindset of students majoring in dental hygiene on career preparation behavior: the mediating effect of self-leadership

Objectives: This study analyzed the relevance and effectiveness of positive psychological capital, growth mindset, self-leadership, and career preparation behaviors in students majoring in dental hygiene. This study provided basic data for curriculum development to support career preparation behaviors. Methods: Data were analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation analysis between variables, and mediation regression analysis of self-leadership on the relationship with career preparation behaviors. Results: Positive psychological capital was high in females (3.69), and career preparation behavior was high in 21-yearolds (3.50), university students (3.31), 4th graders (3.39), and career education and experience students (3.28) (p<0.05). Positive psychological capital correlated with self-leadership (r=0.663) and career preparation behavior (r=0.434); a growth mindset correlated with self-leadership (r=0.356) and career preparation behavior (r=0.265); and there was a significant correlation between self-leadership and career preparation behavior (r=0.423) (p<0.001). Self-leadership partially mediated the relationship between positive psychological capital and career preparation behaviors (Z=5.443, p<0.001). Self-leadership completely mediated the relationship between growth mindset and career preparation behavior (Z=3.890, p<0.001). Conclusions: It is necessary to develop and implement the subject curriculum and extracurricular activities to support the career preparation behavior of students majoring in dental hygiene.