The transition from adolescence to adulthood is a critical phase that shapes an individual’s future prospects, impacting their education, employment, and overall well-being. Among the challenges that young people face during this transition is the risk of being categorized as ”NEET” – Not in Education, Employment, or Training. The NEET status has garnered significant attention due to its association with adverse outcomes, particularly in terms of mental health and social exclusion. The term ”NEET” emerged in the late 1990s, in the United Kingdom, and has been used to capture disengagement and social exclusion among young adults up to the age of 35 in some countries.

The phenomenon of being NEET is multifaceted and influenced by various factors encompassing individual characteristics, family background, socioeconomic status, educational achievements, aspirations, mental health, and environmental conditions. As a result, numerous studies have sought to dissect the complex interplay of these factors and shed light on the predictors of NEET status. Here we review and synthesise a range of studies that explore the determinants and consequences of being NEET.

The literature surrounding NEET status and its correlations present a mosaic of findings that underscore the intricate relationship between various factors and the likelihood of becoming NEET. Studies have illuminated the role of family socioeconomic status, parental education, and household income as influential factors. For instance, parental socioeconomic resources, including low education, unemployment, and economic adversity, have been linked to an increased risk of NEET status. Additionally, adverse childhood experiences, such as abuse, neglect, parental substance use, and witnessing domestic violence, have been identified as predictors of NEET status, though their influence is somewhat modest when accounting for socioeconomic status. Educational attainment emerges as a powerful predictor, with cognitive abilities and aspirations playing vital roles. Cognitive abilities, as measured by key stage test scores, have shown consistent associations with the risk of becoming NEET. Aspirations, both of parents and young individuals, hold considerable sway, influencing the transition from education to employment. Moreover, health status, particularly mental health, has garnered increased attention as a determinant of NEET status. Recent trends indicate a rising correlation between self-reported mental ill health and NEET status, with mental health having the largest effect on the probability of being NEET, especially among males.

The impact of environmental factors cannot be underestimated, as evidenced by the variation in NEET rates across different regions and local labor market conditions. Early leaving from education, referred to as ”EL,” has emerged as a related concept, demonstrating the need to differentiate between education-related disengagement and broader social exclusion. The complex interplay of these factors highlights the need for comprehensive and multifaceted interventions to address the NEET phenomenon effectively.

To sum up, the landscape of NEET research reveals a nuanced web of influences that shape the transition from education to employment for young people. Individual characteristics, family background, educational achievements, mental health, and environmental conditions collectively contribute to the risk of being NEET. Understanding these determinants and their intricate connections is essential for formulating targeted policies and interventions that can effectively address the challenges faced by NEET individuals. As the research continues to evolve, there is a growing recognition of the need to consider both cognitive and non-cognitive factors, socioeconomic resources, aspirations, and mental health in designing strategies that support young people’s successful transition into adulthood.