The Voice of New Hampshire’s Young Adults (PDF, 125 pages, 2016) is the report from a 2015 study that surveyed more than 4,330 young adults living in New Hampshire about their attitudes and perceptions surrounding substance misuse. The themes that emerged from the study have wide applicability in transition planning as well because they provide insights about this population in general. Who are these emerging adults and what’s important to them?
In surveys and focus groups, participants answered questions about their community, job opportunities, family structure, sense of optimism about future opportunities, most challenging issues in their lives, and barriers to a successful future. The report is a good read – clear language, good use of white space, lots of graphics. It’s organized around the themes and discussion threads that came out of the focus groups and survey results:
1. Community
2. Physical Environment
3. Communication Approaches
4. Job Opportunities and Growth
5. Generational Differences
6. Sense of Hope or Optimism
7. Perception of Substance Misuse
8. Substance Use
9. Consequences of Substance Misuse
10. Stress Coping Mechanisms
11. Key Strategies
