Strategies Adopted by Not in Education, Employment, or Training Youth in Dealing with the Psychological and Emotional Stress Caused by COVID-19

Thulani Andrew Chauke

doi:10.25159/2663-5895/11966

Authors

Thulani Andrew Chauke University of South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4891-0017

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2663-5895/11966

Keywords:

coping behaviour, COVID-19, nationwide lockdown, NEET youth, youth resilience

Abstract

This study explores coping behavioural strategies adopted by Not in Education, Employment and Training (NEET) youth in dealing with the psychological and emotional stress caused by the nationwide lockdown because of COVID-19. A qualitative approach was employed in this study. Data was collected from a sample of 50 NEET youth between the ages of 18-24 years old in the Western Cape Province and analysed through thematic analysis. The study findings revealed that the following strategies were adopted in dealing with the psychological and emotional stress, regular physical activities, family bonding, and youth service. The results of this study have implications for youth work practice in South Africa. For instance, the results of the study should prompt youth workers, social workers, community development workers and adult education practitioners to develop a youth development programme that will promote youth resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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