The influence of core self-evaluation of college students majoring in physical education on career decision-making difficulties: a chain mediation model

Background: This study aims to explore the relationship between core self-evaluation and career decision-making difficulties among undergraduate students majoring in physical education. It specifically examines the mediating roles of social support and career adaptability, as well as the chained mediating effect formed by these two factors. Methods: Using convenience sampling, 522 undergraduate physical education majors from six universities in Liaoning, Heilongjiang, and Hebei provinces were recruited. Data were collected via the Core Self-Evaluation Scale, Social Support Scale, Career Resilience Scale, and Career Decision Difficulty Scale. SPSS PROCESS macro was employed to analyze relationships among variables. Results: Core self-evaluation significantly and negatively predicted career decision-making difficulties. Social support and career adaptability each mediated the relationship between core self-evaluation and career decision-making difficulties. Furthermore, social support and career adaptability formed a chained mediating effect: core self-evaluation enhanced career adaptability by increasing social support, ultimately reducing career decision-making difficulties. Conclusion: Core self-evaluation influences career decision-making difficulties among physical education majors through both direct effects and indirect pathways mediated by social support and career adaptability. Discussion: Strengthening core self-evaluation, establishing specialized social support networks, and designing career adaptability training can alleviate career decision-making difficulties for physical education majors, providing concrete guidance for career counseling in higher education physical education programs.