The mediating effects of parental and peer pressure on the migration intentions of university graduates in Nanjing

Abstract

This paper analyses the migration intentions of university graduates using the Theory of Planned Behaviour not just to unravel their intention but also to uncover how subjective perceptions enter the decision-making process. The results suggest that perceived parental and peer pressures have strong direct effects on the formation of the intention, and exert indirect effects by shaping positive attitudes about staying in the city. In terms of behavioural control, the expected difficulty in finding a satisfactory job does not influence the intention. The perceived difficulty in finding affordable housing, however, acts as a barrier to the intention to stay. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.