Emotional intelligence and career decision-making self-efficacy: mediating roles of goal commitment and professional commitment

This study is the first to examine the mechanism of the relationship between emotional
intelligence (EI) and career decision-making self-efficacy (CDMSE) and the moderating
role of gender in relevant mechanisms. Analyses of 185 Chinese university students
showed that EI could influence CDMSE through goal commitment (GC) and professional
commitment, and male students exhibited a stronger relationship between EI
and GC compared with female students. This study introduces a new perspective
for career development research by establishing a mediation-based emotion–career
framework and provides deeper insights for career counselors to assist clients in
career decision processes.