Salutogenesis and the Sense of Coherence in Young Adults Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET)

Abstract

AbstractIn this chapter, the authors discuss the topic of young adults not in education, employment, or training (NEETs). Although estimates of the number of NEETs vary, the problem seems to be global and growing. The many programs that try to support NEETs fail to reach them and guide them successfully into work, housing, and social participation. Helping systems regard NEETs as patients, cases, or not yet enabled adults and thereby fail to meet their needs as well as their potential. Confronting the limits of current approaches, the authors emphasise the need for a salutogenic orientation in research and practice with NEETs. They provide guidance and inspiration for novel approches and describe promising NEET initiatives. These initiatives are characterised by having a genuine health orientation, NEET participation, the centrality of learning processes, and flexible, adaptive models of individual and social development in combination with enhanced employment, education, training, and entrepreneurship opportunities.