Learned Helplessness and Proactive Career Behavior in Emerging Adults: Mediating Role of Quest for Significance and Purpose in Life

• Published in: The Career development quarterly Vol. 73; no. 3; pp. 172 - 182
• Main Authors: Uzun, Kıvanç, Tortumlu, Muhammet
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.09.2025
• Subjects: emerging adults | learned helplessness | proactive career behavior | purpose in life | quest for significance
• ISSN: 0889-4019; 2161-0045
• DOI: 10.1002/cdq.12379

ABSTRACT Learned helplessness (LH) experienced by university students in emerging adulthood during their career development process may harm their proactive career behaviors (PCBs). However, information on which variables can be utilized to buffer this negative effect is very limited in the literature. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a mediating role of quest for significance (QS) and purpose in life (PL) in the effect of LH on emerging adults’ PCBs. The study group of the research consists of 316 individuals living in Türkiye and in emerging adulthood. The data were obtained using a demographic information form and four different self‐report scales. According to the results of the study, it can be said that emerging adults’ LH makes it difficult for them to exhibit PCB. In addition, the relationship between emerging adults’ LH and PCBs was mediated by a QS and PL. In this context, in order to overcome the negative effect of LH on emerging adults’ PCBs and to increase their PCBs, the positive effects of QS and PL variables on individuals can be utilized.