The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed undergraduate education into non-face-to-face classes, and a novel methodology is required to aid students in career preparation behavior (CPB). This study aimed to assess the effects of self-rated abilities for health practices (SRAHP) as a psychological attribute and health-promoting lifestyle profile (HPLP) as a behavioral attribute in the dynamics between positive psychological capital (PPC) and CPB among undergraduate students taking non-face-to-face classes. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 639 undergraduate students taking non-face-to-face classes; data were obtained via online survey in January 2022. A significant positive effect on CPB was observed for PPC (b = 0.261, p < .001) and HPLP (b = 0.674, p < .001). The effect of SRAHP on CPB was not significant; however, it mitigated the PPC-CPB dynamics (b = -.081, p < .05) and strengthened the relationship between HPLP and CPB (b = .250, p < .001). Lastly, the mediating effects after moderation for HPLP and SRAHP were positive, with statistical significance. To aid the students with career preparation in the current undergraduate education environment moving toward a non-face-to-face model, there is a need for resources to increase students' psychological confidence regarding health management and to promote their health practices.
Keywords: behavior; health; health services; online education; psychology.