Research Article

The Mediating Role of Fear of the Future in the Association between Career Goal Inconsistency and Mental Health

Number: 30 September 1, 2026
TR EN

The Mediating Role of Fear of the Future in the Association between Career Goal Inconsistency and Mental Health

Abstract

Uncertainty and inconsistency in university students’ career goals may increase fear of the future and constitute an important risk factor for the emergence of psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness. This study aimed to examine the mediating role of fear of the future in the relationship between career goal inconsistency and depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness among students studying at faculties of sport sciences. A correlational survey model was used in the study, and the data collected from 318 sport sciences students studying at universities in Türkiye were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). In addition, the construct validity of the measurement instruments was evaluated through confirmatory factor analysis using χ², df, p, CFI, TLI, SRMR and RMSEA while their reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The findings indicated that career goal inconsistency was significantly associated with fear of the future and that fear of the future might play a mediating role in explaining the relationships between career goal inconsistency and depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness. The model explained 45.4% of the variance in fear of the future, 47.9% in depression, 45.3% in anxiety, 41.5% in stress, and 27.7% in loneliness. These results highlighted the importance of career counseling and psychological support practices for sport sciences students.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Project Number

Bu araştırma herhangi bir kurum veya kuruluş tarafından desteklenen bir proje kapsamında yürütülmemiştir.

Ethical Statement

This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Ethical approval was obtained from the relevant Institutional Ethics Committee prior to data collection. Participation in the study was voluntary, and informed consent was obtained from all participants and their legal guardians. Participants were informed about the purpose of the study, confidentiality of their responses, and their right to withdraw from the study at any time without any consequences. All data were collected anonymously and used solely for scientific purposes.

Thanks

The authors would like to thank all students and their families who voluntarily participated in this study. We also extend our gratitude to the school administrations and teachers who facilitated the data collection process.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Higher Education Studies (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

September 1, 2026

Submission Date

January 1, 2026

Acceptance Date

August 22, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: 30

APA
Aslan, M., Namlı, S., & Ateş, F. (2026). The Mediating Role of Fear of the Future in the Association between Career Goal Inconsistency and Mental Health. Journal of Education and Future, 30, 53-64. https://doi.org/10.30786/jef.1853702
AMA
1.Aslan M, Namlı S, Ateş F. The Mediating Role of Fear of the Future in the Association between Career Goal Inconsistency and Mental Health. JEF. 2026;(30):53-64. doi:10.30786/jef.1853702
Chicago
Aslan, Murat, Sevinç Namlı, and Fatih Ateş. 2026. “The Mediating Role of Fear of the Future in the Association Between Career Goal Inconsistency and Mental Health”. Journal of Education and Future, nos. 30: 53-64. https://doi.org/10.30786/jef.1853702.
EndNote
Aslan M, Namlı S, Ateş F (September 1, 2026) The Mediating Role of Fear of the Future in the Association between Career Goal Inconsistency and Mental Health. Journal of Education and Future 30 53–64.
IEEE
[1]M. Aslan, S. Namlı, and F. Ateş, “The Mediating Role of Fear of the Future in the Association between Career Goal Inconsistency and Mental Health”, JEF, no. 30, pp. 53–64, Sept. 2026, doi: 10.30786/jef.1853702.
ISNAD
Aslan, Murat - Namlı, Sevinç - Ateş, Fatih. “The Mediating Role of Fear of the Future in the Association Between Career Goal Inconsistency and Mental Health”. Journal of Education and Future. 30 (September 1, 2026): 53-64. https://doi.org/10.30786/jef.1853702.
JAMA
1.Aslan M, Namlı S, Ateş F. The Mediating Role of Fear of the Future in the Association between Career Goal Inconsistency and Mental Health. JEF. 2026;:53–64.
MLA
Aslan, Murat, et al. “The Mediating Role of Fear of the Future in the Association Between Career Goal Inconsistency and Mental Health”. Journal of Education and Future, no. 30, Sept. 2026, pp. 53-64, doi:10.30786/jef.1853702.
Vancouver
1.Murat Aslan, Sevinç Namlı, Fatih Ateş. The Mediating Role of Fear of the Future in the Association between Career Goal Inconsistency and Mental Health. JEF. 2026 Sep. 1;(30):53-64. doi:10.30786/jef.1853702

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