The role of formal supportive relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic: implications for social work education

The COVID-19 pandemic and its implications may provide a unique lens through which to explore formal relationships and their role in the lives of at-risk young adults. As such, based on the framework of emerging adulthood theory and Lerner’s positive youth development perspective, we investigated the perceptions and experiences of 30 at-risk emerging adults (18–25) who participate in Israel’s national program for at-risk young adults and their social workers regarding their relationships, in terms of the pandemic. A thematic analysis revealed that these relationships contributed to the young peoples’ coping abilities and resilience. Specifically, three main themes arose: (a) mental and emotional support, (b) concrete support, (c) encouragement and promotion of personal development. In the discussion we address the potential of positive development in times of stress and adversity and the resources and processes that enable it. In addition, implications for practice designed to strengthen resilience and facilitate a successful transition for at-risk young people despite the pandemic’s possible long-term negative effects are also discussed.