Investigating the effects of social and occupational isolation on personality structure: a focus on NEET young adults

This project hypothesizes that social and occupational isolation may contribute to changes in personality structure, reducing its dimensionality and complexity. Although there is limited evidence to date, this study aims to explore this hypothesis by focusing on a population that exhibits characteristics fitting these criteria: young adults (aged between 16-36 years) categorized as NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training). Through a comprehensive set of surveys, data were collected on self-perceived employability, social and occupational factors, mental health, and personality dimensions, with the Hexaco Adjective Scale (Romano et al., 2023) employed as the primary assessment tool for personality traits. Additionally, we are developing the "NEET Index," a measure designed to capture key factors associated with social and occupational isolation. The NEET Index is hypothesized to hold predictive value for identifying individuals at risk of significant personality changes and labor market disengagement. The findings are expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of how social and occupational contexts influence personality development, offering insights for targeted interventions aimed at promoting social inclusion and employability among NEET individuals. By addressing the interplay between isolation, personality, and employability, this research seeks to advance both theoretical knowledge and practical applications in the fields of psychology and labor market integration.