Role of Personal Growth Initiative and Social Comparison on Unemployment Anxiety among Emerging Adults

Abstract

The present study assessed the relationship between Personal Growth Initiative, Social Comparison, and Unemployment Anxiety among emerging adults, as well as academic stream differences across these variables. A sample of 146 participants aged 18-25 years was drawn from college students of Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, and Psychology streams using purposive and convenience sampling methods. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires measuring Personal Growth Initiative, Social Comparison, and Unemployment Anxiety, and were analysed using jamovi with Spearman’s Rank Correlation, Kruskal-Walli’s test, and Regression analysis. The results revealed a significant positive correlation between Social Comparison and Unemployment Anxiety, whereas PGI demonstrated a significant negative relationship, acting as a protective factor against Unemployment Anxiety. Regression analysis further confirmed that both Social Comparison and PGI are significant predictors of unemployment anxiety levels. Notably, no significant differences were observed in Personal Growth Initiative, Social Comparison, or Unemployment Anxiety across different academic Streams, suggesting these psychological patterns are consistent regardless of the field of study. These findings highlight the detrimental role of peer comparison and the benefits of PGI on Unemployment Anxiety.