Examining the relationship between university students' cognitive flexibility and intolerance of uncertainty levels and their career competencies

This study examined the effect of university students' cognitive flexibility and intolerance of uncertainty levels on their career competencies. The sample consisted of 308 undergraduate students (181 female [58.8%], 127 male [41.2%]) during the 2023–2024 academic year. Data were obtained by using the Cognitive Flexibility Scale, the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, the Career Competencies Scale, and a Personal Information Form designed by the researcher. For data analysis, a range of statistical techniques was used, including descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, independent samples t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple linear regression analysis. This study highlights the impact of psychological characteristics such as cognitive flexibility and intolerance of uncertainty on career competencies, providing guidance light on factors that should be taken into consideration in supporting the career development of university students. The study showed a moderate positive relationship between cognitive flexibility and career competencies. According to the results of the multiple regression analysis, the subdimensions of cognitive flexibility and intolerance of uncertainty together explain 27.4% of the variation in career competency scores. In terms of demographic variables, female students reported higher levels of intolerance of uncertainty compared to their male students, whereas male students scored higher on the "control" subdimension of cognitive flexibility. It has been observed that as the grade level increased, both cognitive flexibility and career competencies of the students increased. When analyzed by faculty, it was determined that students in the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences had higher levels of intolerance to uncertainty, while students in the Faculty of Education and Law. The results suggest that interventions to increase cognitive flexibility and enhancing the ability to cope with uncertainty may serve as effective strategies for strengthening students' career competencies.