Influence of Possible Selves on Career Exploration Behaviors among University Students:

Exploring the Roles of Hoped-for and Feared Self

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the influence of the possible selves ─ specifically, the hoped-for self（the person one aspires to become）and feared self（the person one is afraid of becoming）─ on career exploration behaviors among university students during their job search. Although career-related self-concepts are assumed to influence career exploration behaviors, empirical research on the specific roles of possible selves in this process remains limited. Using survey data collected from 425 fourth-year university students in Japan, we examined how these two types of possible selves relate to the three dimensions of career exploration, namely, self-exploration, environment exploration, and proactive career networking. The results indicated that the hoped-for self has a significant positive effect on all three dimensions of career exploration behaviors. Meanwhile, the feared self has a significant positive effect on self-exploration and environment exploration, but does not significantly affect proactive career networking.