An examination of psychology of working theory with first-generation college students from rural China.

Abstract

Rural first-generation college students (FGCS) face significant barriers as they transition into the world of work, yet no studies have explored their career development using psychology of working theory (PWT). The present study aimed to examine the predictor and outcome portions of PWT with a sample of FGCS from rural China. We administered online surveys to 549 participants and employed structural equation modeling to analyze the data. The results showed that economic constraints and marginalization were negatively related to future decent work perception through work volition and career adaptability, respectively. However, the direct paths from economic constraints and marginalization to future decent work perception were not significant. Moreover, future decent work perception was positively correlated with positive mental health. Based on these findings, we underscore the importance of building confidence in securing decent work among rural FGCS to improve their positive mental health. Overall, this study is the first to apply PWT to understand the work expectations and positive mental health among college students with multiple marginalized identities. Implications for future research are discussed. Vocational interventions at the individual and systemic levels are also presented. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).