Family Capital, Career-Related Parental Behaviors, and Career Adaptability Among Chinese Adolescents: A Three-Wave Longitudinal Study

Using three-wave longitudinal data, this study tested the mediation of career-related parental behaviors (support, interference, lack of engagement) between family capital (social, cultural, economic) and Chinese adolescents’ career adaptability, distinguishing paternal and maternal capital effects ( N = 3837). Results showed that only paternal education and economic capital at Wave 1 indirectly predicted career adaptability at Wave 3 through support at Wave 2. Maternal and paternal occupation and perceived relative financial status at Wave 1 negatively predicted interference at Wave 2. Paternal occupation and family economic capital at Wave 1 negatively predicted lack of engagement at Wave 2; maternal working position at Wave 1 positively predicted it. Interference at Wave 2 negatively predicted career adaptability at Wave 3. By integrating SCMCSM and CCT, this study elucidates how family capital shapes career adaptability through parenting behaviors, highlighting differential effects across capital types and parental dimensions. The findings inform the design of family–school career guidance programs.