At-risk Israeli-Arab young adults: Barriers and resources during the transition to adulthood

The existing literature on at-risk young-adult Arabs during the transition to adulthood is extremely limited. This qualitative study aimed to investigate the perceived barriers and resources among 20 Israeli-Arab young adults (ages 18–24) in their attempts to realize their plans and goals for the future. Thematic analysis revealed that these young people's perceptions of their futures were challenged mainly by their families’ poor economic status and financial struggles, as well as the limited emotional support and guidance they could receive from them, regarding current and future decisions and concerns. Together, these challenges seemed to comprise a barrier to the young people's pursuit of their aspirations. However, relationships with supportive figures within the family, as well as professional figures – even a single adult figure – emerged as one of the most significant assets in the realization of their goals. The discussion addresses the connection between barriers and resources in the context of emerging adulthood theory and the cultural-political context. Implications for practice suggest the importance of designing further holistic services to address the needs of this population, keeping in mind the collectivist nature of Arab society as well as this population's unique characteristics, in order to support their successful transition to adulthood.