Emerging Strengths: Challenges and Coping Strategies in Emerging Adulthood Among at-Risk Young-Adult Arab Palestinians in Israel

The present exploratory study investigated the challenges and coping strategies employed by at-risk young adult Arab Palestinians in Israel. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 35 individuals aged 18–29 who were receiving or received formal support. The findings revealed two categories: (a) socio-familial, cultural, and educational challenges, and b) coping strategies, including outward-facing strategies reflected in taking an active role in transforming challenging circumstances to accomplish their developmental tasks, and inward-facing strategies which draw on personal resources to enhance cognitive processing and emotion regulation. The discussion addresses the study’s findings in relation to the existing literature on risk, coping, and resilience, with a focus on the emerging adulthood period. Recommendations for practice include the integration of strength-based interventions that cultivate coping abilities; the development of mentorship opportunities which allow working with role models from the same background who demonstrate self-agency; and the design of context-informed interventions that build resilience.