Introduction.
The possibility of pursuing a sustainable career is crucial for students with specific learning disorders (SLD), who often face particular challenges during their academic path, such as social constraints and, at times, limited access to essential resources. These difficulties can hinder a smooth and sustainable transition into the labour market and, consequently, the development of a sustainable career. It is therefore essential to understand the factors that influence the perceived capability to build a sustainable career (Future-Sustainable Career, F-SC) among students with SLD.
Objectives.
Drawing on the Sustainable Career Framework, this study examined a possible psychosocial mechanism underlying the perception of F-SC. We hypothesised that perceived labour market challenges and career behaviours may influence career insecurity and, in turn, F-SC.
Method.
A sample of 224 students with SLD from two Italian universities completed an online questionnaire measuring F-SC, career behaviours, perceived labour market challenges, and career insecurity.
Results.
We tested a mediation model using the PROCESS macro in SPSS. Findings revealed a significant indirect effect of perceived challenges on F-SC, mediated by career insecurity. In contrast, career behaviours did not significantly influence career insecurity, nor did they show any indirect effect on F-SC.
Limitations.
The cross-sectional design prevents causal inferences. Future research should explore additional specific factors that may influence the hypothesised relationships.
Implications.
Our study is among the first to apply the sustainable career framework to students with SLD, contributing to a deeper understanding of the factors that support a sustainable transition into the labour market. At the same time, the study highlights specific aspects to be further scrutinised (e.g., the actual effectiveness of career development behaviours) for interventions and policies aimed at fostering inclusive and, therefore, sustainable career ecosystems.