Introduction: The increasing number of university students engaged in paid employment while studying represents a major social and psychological trend. Working students embody the convergence of educational, occupational, and personal demands, an intersection that remains underexplored in applied psychology. This group faces unique challenges and opportunities that directly relate to mental health, well-being, and academic success.
Purpose: This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize the existing psychological literature on working students, identifying dominant theoretical perspectives, methodological patterns, and key gaps in current knowledge.
Method: A systematic search was conducted across EBSCOhost, Scopus, and Web of Science using combinations of terms such as "working students", "employed students", and "working undergraduates". Out of 147 initial records, 27 empirical studies met inclusion criteria. Studies were thematically analyzed to identify recurrent constructs, theoretical models, methodological trends, and psychological outcomes.
Results: The literature reveals the dual nature of the working student experience. While employment can enhance self-efficacy, identity development, and career optimism, it is also associated with stress, burnout, and work-study conflict. Theoretical approaches draw primarily on the Job Demands-Resources and role conflict models. Most research originates from the Global North and relies on quantitative, cross-sectional designs, limiting understanding of dynamic and contextual influences.
Conclusions: Working students constitute a growing yet under-researched population in occupational health psychology. The findings highlight the need for more qualitative, longitudinal, and cross-cultural research to capture the complexity of their experiences. Advancing this field will contribute to promoting well-being, sustainable work-study integration, and educational equity, which are key priorities for applied psychology in addressing global challenges.