'Painted from life ...': a disengaged youth?: young people and NEETs in a devastated country

This research paper presents and analyses the findings of the new [European Economic Area] EEA-funded large-scale research project entitled 'NEETs2' (EEA Grants/GR07-3757), which was completed in 2016. In brief, through primary nationwide quantitative and qualitative research), the project aimed, firstly, at the research-based mapping of the relationship between Greek [not in employment, education or training] NEETs and psychopathology - the sketching of their psychological profile - as well as the investigation of the impact of the economic crisis on their psychological profile and life course. Secondly, it aimed at a research-based mapping of NEETs' skills profile and their needs-in-skills. Within this context, the findings led to a targeted and competence-based training-reskilling programme (including two counseling and vocational guidance handbooks) and a proposed set of psychological supportive activities to promote the social inclusion of NEETs in Greece.

The research paper raises definitional issues concerning NEETs, while emphasizing the relation between youth unemployment and NEET rates both in the EU and Greece. Based on several of the key findings of the quantitative research, the paper maps the profile NEETs in Greece today, analyses their socio-demographic characteristics (comparing to the control group, namely the rest of the youth), presents findings related to the medical history and health-related characteristics and sketching the psychological profile of Greek NEETs. Furthermore it analyses the impact of crisis on the life course and employability of NEETs in Greece and provides evidence-based insights on their politically-related attitudes and civic values.

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