Future Perceptions of U.S. and Israeli Young Male Adults

Abstract

Future perceptions consist of an individual’s ambition, view of future events, and plan for life domains. Such perceptions can predict and shape a person’s career development and motivate to pursue and achieve goals in different life roles. Research on emerging adults’ perceptions has important implications for career professionals assisting this population. In this study, the authors investigated the future perceptions of 49 U.S. and 39 Israeli emerging adult university males using thematic analysis. Participants’ responses represented an array of topics and were grouped into the following themes: (a) work, (b) family and relationships, (c) education, (d) material and monetary assets, (e) location, (f) leisure, and (g) general quality of life. Results suggested that culture could be important in how emerging adult males envision their future lives and roles. Recommendations for how career educators and counselors can implement the findings in their work with U.S. and Israeli college students are discussed.