Examining the Relationship Between Career Adaptability and Life Satisfaction Through Meaning in Life

Career adaptability (CA) is recognized as a psychological resource supporting well-being. However, the processes through which CA contributes to life satisfaction remain insufficiently understood. This study investigated whether meaning in life (MIL), indexed by Presence of Meaning (POM) and Search for Meaning (SFM), functioned as intermediate variables in the association between CA dimensions and satisfaction with life (SWL). A total of 223 Japanese undergraduate students completed measures of CA, MIL, and SWL across two waves separated by 3 weeks. Structural equation modeling revealed that Control and Confidence showed significant direct effects on SWL, and that POM was a robust predictor of SWL. POM served as a significant correlate for Concern and Control, while SFM yielded no significant indirect effects. These findings suggest that CA contributes to well-being primarily through a consolidated sense of life meaning rather than active meaning search.