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The Storm Doesn’t Touch me!—The Role of Perceived Employability of Students and Graduates in the Pandemic Era

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  • Gerardo Petruzziello

    (Department of Psychology “Renzo Canestrari”, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy)

  • Rita Chiesa

    (Department of Psychology “Renzo Canestrari”, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy)

  • Marco Giovanni Mariani

    (Department of Psychology “Renzo Canestrari”, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy)

Abstract

Perceived Employability acquires growing relevance as a psychological protective resource now that new entrants in the labour market from higher education are experiencing a deterioration of their occupational prospects due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which brings worries and jeopardises psychological well-being. This study aims to extend research on perceived employability among Italian University students and graduates. Perceived employability is posited to predict flourishing directly and indirectly by reducing material, social, and health worries related to COVID-19. Moreover, this study contends that perceived employability buffers the positive impact of perceived adverse conditions of the labour market on worries, changing the effect on flourishing. In total, 471 university students and graduates completed an online survey. The analyses reveal that perceived employability positively influences flourishing directly and indirectly by reducing COVID-19-related worries. Nevertheless, the results do not support the moderating action of perceived employability. Despite some limitations (e.g., a cross-sectional design), this study significantly advances the exploration of perceived employability as a critical personal resource to deal with the transition to work under pandemic-related crises. This study draws on its results to advise higher education to increase perceived employability, such as through career guidance activities and work-based learning experiences.

Suggested Citation

  • Gerardo Petruzziello & Rita Chiesa & Marco Giovanni Mariani, 2022. "The Storm Doesn’t Touch me!—The Role of Perceived Employability of Students and Graduates in the Pandemic Era," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-13, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:7:p:4303-:d:787120
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Paola Magnano & Giuseppe Santisi & Andrea Zammitti & Rita Zarbo & Santo Di Nuovo, 2019. "Self-Perceived Employability and Meaningful Work: The Mediating Role of Courage on Quality of Life," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-14, February.
    2. Aucejo, Esteban M. & French, Jacob & Ugalde Araya, Maria Paola & Zafar, Basit, 2020. "The impact of COVID-19 on student experiences and expectations: Evidence from a survey," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 191(C).
    3. Inmaculada Silla & Nele Cuyper & Francisco Gracia & José Peiró & Hans Witte, 2009. "Job Insecurity and Well-Being: Moderation by Employability," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 10(6), pages 739-751, December.
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