The Pathway From Academic Marginalization to Mental Well-Being: The Mediating Roles of Vocational Identity and Occupational Engagement

• In Event: AERA Research-in-Progress Roundtable Session 1
  In Invited Roundtable: Student Health and Well-Being: Understanding the Links to Identity, Self-Esteem, Engagement, Treatment-Seeking, and Student Outcomes (Table 17)

Abstract

Career paths are increasingly unpredictable due to the instability of the modern job market, requiring attention to internal and external factors in career development. This study aims to investigate the hypothesized mediating roles of vocational identity and occupational engagement in the relationship between academic marginalization and mental well-being among Korean college students and recent graduates. We hypothesize that vocational identity and occupational engagement will sequentially mediate this relationship, emphasizing their importance in supporting the mental well-being of marginalized students. The findings are expected to provide insights into career development and mental health, offering practical recommendations to enhance student well-being and support marginalized individuals in higher education.

Author

• Eunjin Han, George Mason University