A three-wave serial mediation model: linking emotional intelligence to subjective career success via career adaptability and proactive behaviors

This study investigated the longitudinal serial mediation mechanism linking emotional intelligence to subjective career success through career adaptability and proactive behaviors. Drawing on Career Construction Theory, data were collected from 315 working professionals across three waves with three-month intervals. Path analysis within a cross-lagged panel design was employed to test the directional relationships. The results revealed that emotional intelligence at Time 1 significantly predicted career adaptability at Time 2, which was positively associated with proactive career behaviors, ultimately predicting higher subjective career success at Time 3. The hypothesized serial mediation pathway was statistically significant (β = 0.010, p < .01), even after controlling for the temporal stability of the variables and demographic factors. These findings provide longitudinal evidence that internal emotional resources function as a foundation for adaptive capacities and proactive actions, which are essential for achieving long-term career satisfaction.