Better to be the head of a dog or the tail of a lion? Revisiting the double-edged sword model of college students' perceived overqualification

Abstract

Abstract School psychologists are always concerned about underperforming students; however, a recent study calls attention to a group of college students who believe themselves to outperform other students while also worrying about their futures: students who perceive themselves to be overqualified (POQ) (Wang et al., 2022). In this study, we revisited the double-edged sword model of college students’ POQ by untangling the mediating mechanism between POQ, learning engagement, and the life satisfaction of college seniors. Two questionnaire surveys were conducted and attained somewhat different results from previous studies: 1. POQ positively predicted learning engagement via the mediation of career aspiration and performance-approach goals, but not performance-avoidance goals; 2. The positive effects of POQ on career aspirations, performance-approach goals, and learning engagement were weakened by a growth mindset; 3. The relationship between POQ and life satisfaction was nonsignificant, relative deprivation negatively mediated this relationship while general self-efficacy positively mediated this relationship. These findings enriched our understanding of how POQ affect college students’ learning and living and provided evidence that growth mindset is less beneficial for members of advantaged groups in academic settings. Based on our findings, we offered practical suggestions regarding POQ students in colleges.