Exploring the Formation Mechanism of Slow Employment among College Graduates: An Empirical Study Based on Social Capital and Psychological Capital

Abstract

In recent years, the phenomenon of "slow employment" has become increasingly common among college graduates and has attracted significant social attention. This study, based on questionnaire surveys, investigates the formation mechanisms, and influencing factors of slow employment among college graduates. The research employs descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation analysis, correlation analysis, and regression models to examine the effects of school type, family background, social capital, and psychological capital on the choice of slow employment. The findings indicate that school level and social capital are the core determinants of slow employment choices, with graduates from higher-level institutions being more inclined toward slow employment, and factors such as mentor recommendations and alumni networks significantly increasing the likelihood of slow employment. The influence of family support on slow employment is more complex: students who receive strong career planning support from their families are more likely to clarify their career goals, while family economic status itself is not a decisive factor. Furthermore, the impact of psychological capital on the choice of slow employment is relatively minor, suggesting that slow employment decisions are more influenced by external environmental factors (e.g., academic competition and policy context) rather than individual psychological states. This study not only enriches the theoretical understanding of the slow employment phenomenon but also provides empirical evidence for optimizing college employment guidance and policy formulation.