NCJ Number
219708
Journal
Youth & Society Volume: 39 Issue: 1 Dated: September 2007 Pages: 33-53
Date Published
September 2007
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This study examined the help-seeking intentions of Jewish and Arab youth in Israel toward family, friends, and professionals in relation to their interpersonal relationships with family and friends.
Abstract
Results indicate significant difference between the two national groups. Arab youth preferred formal help systems, whereas Jewish youth were more inclined to turn to parents and friends. Significant gender differences were also indicated. Explanations highlight the differences in the influence of the relationships with friends and family on help-seeking intentions. Help-seeking is a universal human activity which exhibits cross-cultural differences. When adolescents struggle with a problem, they typically face a dilemma concerning help-seeking. Cultural and familial values affect children’s perceptions about seeking help in general. Considering that adolescents are affected by the cultural context in which they are raised, the cultural differences between Jewish and Arab sectors in Israel make it a unique setting for conducting research. This longitudinal study dealt with advice and help-seeking intentions of Jewish and Arab male and female adolescents, from 54 Jewish neighborhoods and 12 Arab neighborhoods, toward parents, friends, and professional service providers, mindful of the heightened tension of Israeli life, of the lower availability of social services in the Arab sector, and of the rapid modernization process of Arab society. Tables, references