The theoretical and applied implications of self-compassion in the Career Construction Model of Adaptation

Emotional processes underlying career adaptability remain underexplored. The Career Construction Model of Adaptation (CCMA) asserts that psychological resources of concern, curiosity, control, and confidence promote successful career transitions. This conceptual paper proposes a potential fifth adaptive resource, self-compassion, within the Career Construction Model of Adaptation. Self-compassion adds novelty to the model by theorizing an emotional mechanism that may promote successful career transitions. The proposed theoretical framework differentiates self-compassion from the original adaptive resources and uses a fictional vignette to illustrate clinical application. Limitations of the proposed model are acknowledged. Research, clinical, educational, and organizational implications are discussed.