Abstract

This study aimed to investigate how individual and contextual factors influence the career behavior of university students majoring in dance, based on Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT). Specifically, it examined the effects of these factors on three key variables: career decision-making self-efficacy, career outcome expectations, and career preparation behavior. A total of 389 dance major students in South Korea participated in an online survey. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, independent-samples Welch’s t-tests, one-way ANOVA with Scheffé post hoc tests, and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that year of study and accumulated dance experience positively predicted career decision-making self-efficacy and career preparation behavior, highlighting the importance of experiential learning and academic progression. Significant differences across majors were also observed, with commercial dance majors reporting comparatively lower levels of self-efficacy and outcome expectations. Trait anxiety demonstrated consistent negative correlations with all career variables, but in the regression model remained a significant predictor only of career decision-making self-efficacy. Finally, perceived career barriers emerged as the strongest negative predictor, significantly reducing self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and preparatory behaviors. These findings indicate that dance majors’ career behavior is influenced by the combined effects of academic progression, accumulated experience, psychological dispositions, and perceived barriers. The results highlight the need for systematic and discipline-specific career development strategies, including tailored interventions and psychological support, to foster sustainable career pathways for dance students.