The effects of a non-adaptive school-to-work transition on transition to adulthood, time perspective and internalizing and externalizing problems

The 21st-century world of work complexity is considered a health risk factor for young people. Due to the economic crisis, globalization, and challenges of post-industrial society, 28.8% of Italian young people experience the NEET condition. The study aims to understand the psychological factors associated with the NEET status, specifically the self-perception of transition to adulthood, the future time perspective, and the effects on health in terms of internalizing and externalizing problems. To this end, 450 young people (150 students, 150 employees, 150 NEET) were involved. Moreover, the study has also highlighted that socio-demographic characteristics can play a role in the relationship between the NEET status and these outcomes. The results show that the NEET condition is associated with a negative vision about the future, a low self-perception of transition to adulthood, and internalizing and externalizing health problems. Starting from findings, implications regarding intervention models and future research directions are discussed.