The present study examined the relationships of career adaptability and self-esteem with life satisfaction among emerging adults and the mediating effect of work values on these relationships. Five hundred and twelve emerging adults between the ages of 18 and 25 who graduated from vocational education and training were enrolled. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing study variables during their career transition: 2 months before (T1) and 10 months after graduation (T2). The results confirmed a direct and positive effect of self-esteem (T1) on life satisfaction (T2). However, career adaptability (T1) was not directly related to life satisfaction (T2). Additionally, work values (T2) served as a significant mediator between career adaptability (T1) and life satisfaction (T2). The study showed that mastery work values mediated this relationship. These results suggest that potential interventions should focus on increasing career adaptability and self-esteem and on strengthening intrinsic work values to improve emerging adults’ subjective well-being.

本研究研究了新兴成年人的职业适应能力和自尊与生活满意度之间的关系，以及工作价值对这些关系的中介作用。招收了来自职业教育和培训的512名年龄在18至25岁之间的新兴成年人。参与者完成了一份调查问卷，以评估其职业生涯过渡期间的研究变量：T2之前（T1）和毕业后10个月（T2）。结果证实了自尊（T1）对生活满意度（T2）的直接和积极影响。但是，职业适应性（T1）与生活满意度（T2）没有直接关系。此外，工作价值（T2）是职业适应性（T1）和生活满意度（T2）之间的重要中介。研究表明，精通工作价值观介导了这种关系。这些结果表明，潜在的干预措施应侧重于提高职业适应能力和自尊心，并加强内在的工作价值，以改善新兴成年人的主观幸福感。