Health Behaviors and Career Adaptability among Judicial-Police College Students: A Systematic Review

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jhve.202516306

Author(s)

Dongming Jia*, Ping Deng

Affiliation(s)

Zhejiang Police Vocational College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China *Corresponding Author

Abstract

Cadets in judicial-police colleges must juggle demanding legal studies with quasi-military fitness requirements, yet the behavioural foundations of their career adaptability remain under-explored. This systematic review synthesised English- and Chinese-language research published between 2010 and 2025, integrating eight quantitative and five qualitative studies that linked modifiable health behaviours with career adaptability (CA). Physical activity showed consistent, medium-size positive effects on CA, with two interventions yielding 0.35 SD gains. Mindfulness practices and multicomponent curricula improved CA indirectly through basic psychological-needs satisfaction, vocational identity and career decision self-efficacy, whereas poor sleep quality predicted lower CA and greater burnout. Qualitative evidence from Chinese academies revealed environmental barriers such as dormitory noise and drill-crowded schedules, but also highlighted faculty support for brief mindfulness breaks during tactical classes. Taken together, the findings suggest that embedding exercise, sleep hygiene and stress-management components into police-college curricula could foster a healthier, more adaptable future workforce.

Keywords

Career Adaptability; Physical Activity; Mindfulness; Sleep Hygiene; Police Cadets

References

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