Navigating career adaptability: psychological capital through ambiguity tolerance under artificial intelligence anxiety

OpenAlex İngilizce

The rapid spread of artificial intelligence technologies in the business world has led to the emergence of new contextual dynamics that influence individuals’ career development and adaptability processes. This study aims to investigate the impact of psychological capital on career adaptability and to assess the mediating role of tolerance for ambiguity in this relationship. It also tests whether artificial intelligence anxiety has the potential to moderate the relationship between tolerance for ambiguity and career adaptability. Data were collected from 400 university students studying in Adana through an online survey using a convenience sampling method. The data were analyzed using the PROCESS Macro. The findings indicate that psychological capital has a significant predictive value for both tolerance for ambiguity and career adaptability. Moreover, tolerance for ambiguity was supported to function as a meaningful mediating mechanism between psychological capital and career adaptability. However, artificial intelligence anxiety did not demonstrate the expected moderating effect on the relationship between tolerance for ambiguity and career adaptability. The study contributes to theory by extending Career Construction Theory through the inclusion of contextual factors, and in practice, it offers strategic guidance for career counselors to help individuals manage anxiety related to artificial intelligence and strengthen their career adaptability. In addition, the study highlights the need for higher education career services to be restructured, considering artificial intelligence-driven transformations, and emphasizes the importance of programs that systematically support students’ ability to cope with uncertainty. It also provides insights for policymakers in future workforce planning.