Career Awareness and Career Futures: The Mediating Roles of Career Adaptability and Career Stress Among Preservice Teachers

ABSTRACT This study investigated the impact of career awareness on career futures and the mediating roles of career adaptability and career stress. Data were collected from 502 preservice teachers in Türkiye using a quantitative, correlational design with structural equation modeling. Results showed that career awareness directly predicted career futures and indirectly influenced them by enhancing adaptability and reducing stress. The model explained a substantial portion of the variance in career futures. Findings underscore career awareness as a key factor in strengthening adaptability, alleviating stress, and fostering positive, future‐oriented career outcomes in teacher education.