Resources that contribute to subjective well-being among young early adults at-risk taking part in Yated program

The emerging adulthood period (ages 18-25) constitutes a critical developmental stage, characterized by complex psychological and social challenges. Young people in these ages are at high risk of experiencing low subjective mental well-being, affecting their functioning and mental health throughout their lives. These challenges are intensified among at-risk young adults, who face additional barriers such as lack of family support, financial difficulties, and shortage of social resources. Studies have shown that people who experience high mental well-being live longer, experience beneficial relationships, and function well in society. Additionally, during this period, significant developmental changes occur in the brain, affecting emotional regulation abilities and decision-making.

This study examined the resources contributing to subjective mental well-being among at-risk young adults (N = 101, ages 18-25) participating in the 'Yated' program. The research was based on Martin Seligman's PERMA model (2011), which examines subjective aspects of personal and social qualities and resources. The contribution of five variables was examined: life satisfaction, engagement in leisure activities, perceived social support, sense of meaning in life, and sense of self-efficacy. In addition to these, the influence of environmental and cultural factors on mental well-being was examined. The study also investigated the interaction between different variables and their combined effect on mental well-being.

The research was based on a quantitative cross-sectional design. Data was collected through online self-report questionnaires, including validated measures examining subjective mental well-being and the five independent variables. The findings were analyzed using Pearson correlations, hierarchical linear regression, and moderation analyses. The study also included an in-depth analysis of subgroups within the sample, addressing unique demographic characteristics. Various validated measurement tools adapted to the research population were used.

Findings: The analysis showed significant positive correlations between subjective mental well-being and four out of the five examined variables - life satisfaction, perceived social support, sense of meaning, and self-efficacy. Contrary to the research hypothesis, no significant correlation was found with engagement in leisure activities. The overall model explained more than half of the variance in subjective mental well-being, with life satisfaction and perceived social support found as the most significant predictors.

Moderation analyses showed that the relationship between sense of meaning in life and mental well-being was stronger among older young adults and surprisingly, among those with lower education levels. In examining demographic characteristics, the only significant difference was found regarding debt, where young adults without debt reported higher levels of subjective mental well-being.

Conclusions and Recommendations: The research findings expand the limited existing knowledge about mental well-being among at-risk young adults in Israel. The study emphasizes the crucial importance of life satisfaction and perceived social support in promoting these young adults' mental well-being, and points to the need for adapting interventions to different demographic characteristics.

Based on the findings, it is recommended to develop intervention programs focusing on increasing life satisfaction and strengthening perceived social support. The programs should be culturally adapted and consider the unique characteristics of each age group and education level. It is important to create integrated support systems combining emotional and social aspects, with emphasis on building stable support networks.

The research emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to treating at-risk young adults, combining individual interventions with community resource development. It is recommended to develop evaluation and monitoring measures to examine intervention effectiveness, and to incorporate components of financial management and debt-coping assistance in intervention programs, given their impact on mental well-being.

Research limitations include the small sample size, overrepresentation of women, and the fact that the research was conducted during wartime. Future studies should consider using longitudinal research designs and more diverse samples, incorporate qualitative research methodologies, and expand the research to additional geographical areas. It is particularly important to examine the dynamics of mental well-being over time and the interaction between various factors affecting it.