Predictors of Hope Among At-Risk Young Adults in Israel During the Transition to Adulthood

This exploratory study examined hope among at-risk young adults and the factors associated with hope including income, housing, self-rated health, and education. The study, conducted among Israeli at-risk young adults, included 589 participants, ages 18–25 who received some form of treatment at one of Israel’s social welfare service agencies. Findings indicated that young adults who had experienced housing instability/insecurity during the past year had lower levels of hope compared to participants who had not experienced housing instability/insecurity. Structural equation modeling revealed housing security, higher income sufficiency, and higher education were associated with higher levels of hope. The discussion addresses the importance of recognizing both protective and risk factors for positive adjustment among at-risk young adults. Implications for practice emphasize the importance of considering instrumental, as well as psychological and motivational, aspects in intervention programs that support at-risk young adults during the transition to adulthood.