Structural relationships among academic self-efficacy, academic performance, and career preparation behavior: the
1Shanghai Normal University Tianhua College, Shanghai, China.
Introduction:
This study examined how academic self-efficacy influences college students' academic performance and career preparation behavior, with value and cost acting as serial mediators.
Methods:
Based on social cognitive theory and expectancy-value theory, structural equation modeling was performed using data from 1,182 undergraduates at Chinese private universities.
Results:
Results showed that self-efficacy directly and indirectly predicted both outcomes. A value-to-cost serial mediation pathway was confirmed, indicating that higher self-efficacy increased value, lowered cost, and subsequently improved GPA and career preparation behavior. The model demonstrated a good fit.
Discussion:
The findings emphasize the importance of strengthening value while reducing costs, and provide both theoretical insights and practical strategies for improving academic and career outcomes in higher education.
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