Role of Social Support in the Relationship Between Career Self-Efficacy and Psychological Distress Among Young People During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Throughout the COVID 19 pandemic, young people have experienced numerous changes in their routine. This has affected their health and well-being in all dimensions as well as academic life, including their career planning and decision-making process. We explored the role of social support in the relationship between career self-efficacy and psychological distress in young people. High school students ( N = 451) from different regions of Kosovo completed a series of validated measures online. The results showed the impact of the pandemic on career planning and decision-making processes and the negative correlation of career self-efficacy with psychological stress. Furthermore, the mediating roles of family, school, and peer support were observed. These findings provide valuable data for mental health and career professionals toward career guidance and counseling. Further theoretical and practical implications and future research directions have been discussed.