Xin-Yang and Career-Related Decision-Making Process Among Chinese College Student Population: An Intervention Study

Career decision-making is a critical developmental task for college students, yet many experience low self-efficacy, anxiety, and uncertainty during this process. Xin-Yang is a set of ideologies that is a manifestation of individuals’ values and has traits that are similar to and different from Western spirituality. It is culturally grounded psychological resources and may support career development; however, empirical evidence remains limited. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of Xin-Yang based group intervention on career decision-making self-efficacy (CDMSE) among Chinese college students. A total of 109 students were randomly assigned to either the intervention group or an active comparison group that received mindfulness psychoeducation. Measures of Xin-Yang and CDMSE were collected at baseline, post-intervention, and at 1- and 3-month follow-ups. A two-slope piecewise growth model assessed changes in CDMSE, career decision-making difficulties, and Xin-Yang over time. Participants in the intervention group showed significant improvements in two CDMSE dimensions—Problem Solving and Self-Appraisal—and reductions in the Anxiety dimension of career indecision at post-intervention and follow-ups. Both groups improved in other CDMSE dimensions and the Self-Identity Concept dimension of career decision-making difficulties. Additionally, the intervention group demonstrated increasing trends in two Xin-Yang dimensions: Mental Guidance and Relationship to Others.