Career-Related Parental Support and Career Indecision in Health Science Students: A Serial Mediating Analysis

Graduating health science students confront career indecision, which is significantly influenced by parental support. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms between the two variables among health science students. This study explored the multiple mediating roles of career decision-making self-efficacy (CDMSE) and future work self in the relationship between career-related parental support (CRPS) and career indecision among health science students. Data were collected using online questionnaires from 1257 Chinese health science students. We found that 49.32% students experienced moderate-to-high career indecision. CRPS affected career indecision directly and indirectly through three pathways: (1) CDMSE; (2) future work self; and (3) CDMSE and future work self in serial, with a total mediation effect of 60.80%. Our findings emphasize focusing on health science students’ career indecision and valuing the supportive role of CRPS. In addition, targeted interventions to improve CDMSE and future work self may be conducive to alleviating students’ career indecision.