The Influence of Psychological Capital on Internship Satisfaction: A Systematic Study from the Perspective of Cultural Adaptation

This study examines the relationship between psychological capital (PsyCap) and internship satisfaction through a systematic literature review. Building on Luthans' foundational PsyCap framework and its Chinese cultural adaptation by Ke et al., this article analyzes how self-efficacy, hope, resilience, and optimism influence internship experiences. Findings reveal that PsyCap significantly enhances internship satisfaction through multiple pathways, with interpersonal PsyCap dimensions (e.g., respect, gratitude) playing a particularly important role in Chinese contexts. The study identifies four key dimensions of internship satisfaction (working conditions, gains, relationships, and career development) that interact with PsyCap components. Results suggest that developing psychological resources can substantially improve internship outcomes, with important implications for educational institutions and employers designing experiential learning programs. The article concludes with practical recommendations for PsyCap development in internship settings and directions for future cross-cultural research.