COVID-19 상황에서 충남지역 대학생들이 지각하는 진로장벽과 진로만족의 관계 : 진로불확실성 스트레스의 매개효과와 회복탄력성의 조절효과

This study explores the mediating role of career uncertainty stress and the moderating effect of resilience in the relationship between perceived career barriers and career satisfaction among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. An empirical analysis was conducted with students from three universities in Chungcheongnam-do, and the key findings are as follows: First, internal career barriers were found to have a significant negative effect on career satisfaction. In other words, the more students perceived internal barriers, the less satisfied they were with their careers. On the other hand, external career barriers did not show a significant impact on career satisfaction. Second, both internal and external career barriers were positively associated with career uncertainty stress. This suggests that students facing higher internal and external barriers also experienced heightened stress due to career uncertainty. Third, career uncertainty stress played a mediating role in the relationship between internal career barriers and career satisfaction. However, this mediating effect was not found between external career barriers and career satisfaction. Lastly, resilience moderated the relationship between career barriers (both internal and external) and career satisfaction. This study provides valuable insights by clarifying how career barriers — particularly those perceived during unexpected and uncertain situations like the COVID-19 pandemic — affect career satisfaction. These findings offer practical implications for supporting students in maintaining career satisfaction during periods of crisis and uncertainty.