Comparing Career Compromise Tendencies of School and Club Team Student-Athletes in Soccer: Implications for Career Guidance

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the structural relationships among personal factors (e.g., type of team affiliation, school level), psychological factors (e.g., grit, social support), and environmental factors (e.g., school adjustment) that influence the career compromise tendency of middle and high school student-athletes in soccer. Furthermore, the study investigated the mediating effect of school adjustment in these relationships. Methods: To this end, a survey was conducted with 425 student-athletes in soccer affiliated with either school teams or club teams, and a correlation analysis, independent sample t-tests, and mediation analysis were performed. Results: The analysis revealed that student-athletes affiliated with school teams showed significantly higher levels of career compromise tendency and lower levels of social support and school adjustment compared to those in club teams. In addition, school adjustment was found to partially mediate the effects of grit and social support on career compromise tendency. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for a shift in career guidance and education policies for student-athletes in Korea, in response to the transition of the elite athlete development system from a school team-centered to a club team-centered structure. It emphasizes the importance of promoting dual career pathways and school adjustment, and suggests the necessity of psychological and social interventions, along with customized career education programs, to reduce the tendency toward career compromise.