Examining the Predictors of Future Decent Work among Turkish University Students

This study aimed to examine the implications of contextual constraints on Turkish university students’ perceptions of future decent work and the potential coping strategies that could mitigate the influence of these constraints. Specifically, the study investigated the moderated mediation effect of social support on the relationship between economic constraints and marginalization with future decent work, mediated by work volition. The participants consisted of 632 students (69% female, 31% male, Mage = 21.12) from a public university in the Black Sea Region of Türkiye. The results showed that future decent work was positively associated with work volition and social support. Work volition served as a significant mediator in the relationship between marginalization, economic constraints, and future decent work. However, contrary to earlier studies, the moderated mediation effect of social support was not statistically significant. These findings provide researchers and practitioners with insights into university students’ expectations for future decent work, expanding the understanding of its antecedents within the context of Turkish university students.