Thiswas also the case in step 3 of themodel, however confidencewas significant (β=.49, p b .001). Accordingly, it was decided to
examine whether there was an indirect effect of future work self on skill development through confidence. Therefore, we tested this mediation analysis using the method recommended by Baron and Kenny (1986). The indirect effect of confidence was significant (Sobel test = 3.02, p = .003). Results indicated that the relationship between future work self and proactive skill development was fully mediated by confidence (95% CI = [−.05, .07]). Therefore, the results show that contrary to Hypotheses 1 and 2b, the relationship between future work self and proactive skill development is indirect and explained through confidence.