Author(s)

Lei TANG, Chang-hong ZHANG, Ruo-yun YIN, Zhao-ya FAN and Fan ZHANG

Corresponding Author

Fan ZHANG

Abstract

Background: The number of university graduates in China is maintain a high level and each year has increased substantially. Its growth rate is too fast leading to a serious oversupply of supply and demand. The national employment situation is becoming more and more severe. College students' worry and stress about their future career also increase. This study aims to investigate the relationship between career decision-making self-efficacy (CDMSE) and life satisfaction (LS) of medical students in China. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used involving two medical schools in Chongqing, China. Through the combination of online and offline methods, questionnaires were randomly distributed among two medical colleges in Chongqing. The questionnaire included self-made general data, the CDMSE Scale for University Students compiled by Peng and Long, and life satisfaction items in the life Happiness index scale compiled by Campbell. Results: The score of CDMSE for medical students is 3.18±0.73, which belongs to the upper middle. The overall score of CDMSE and the five dimensions were significantly different in gender, education, household registration and whether the only child (P < 0.05). The LS score of the respondents was 5.08±1.30, which belonged to the upper middle level. LS was positively correlated with CDMSE and each dimension. The following factors were the influencing factors of CDMSE of medical college students: gender (β=8.929, P<0.001), educational background (β=0.126, P<0.001), household registration (β=0.051, P=0.002), only child or not (β=-0.035, P=0.028) and life satisfaction (β=0.240, P<0.001). Conclusions: The life satisfaction of medical college students is significantly correlated with the self-efficacy of career decision-making. Gender, educational, household registration, whether they are only children, and life satisfaction are the influencing factors of CDMSE of medical college students. This finding may provide evidence and direction for future pertinent interventions.

Keywords

Career Decision-making Self-efficacy, Life Satisfaction, Medical Students