Support structures and intergenerational support during and after the COVID-19 pandemic

Potočnik, Dunja and Naterer, Andrej (2025) Support structures and intergenerational support during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In: Two countries, one crisis: the YO-VID22 pandemic study. Edition Special Editions . University of Maribor, University of Maribor Press ; Institute for Social Research in Zagreb, Maribor, pp. 211-238. ISBN 978-961-299-048-0 (Print), 978-961-299-047-3 (Online)

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Abstract

IN ENGLISH: This chapter examines the role of formal and informal support structures in shaping the well-being and resilience of youth in Croatia and Slovenia. In both countries, families remain the most important support system, particularly mothers, who are consistently identified as central figures in providing emotional and practical assistance. While peers also play a crucial role, the pandemic disrupted these relationships and reduced opportunities for in-person interaction. Institutional support, such as educational and employment services, remains important but often perceived as inaccessible or poorly adapted to the actual needs of youth. At the same time, a low level of trust in political institutions and the welfare system was observed, particularly in Croatia, which reinforces reliance on familial networks. Digital platforms increasingly serve as alternatives for connection and advice, although they cannot replace interpersonal support. Policy implications stress the need to expand accessible, youth-centred services, including mental health care, career guidance, and community-based initiatives. Strengthening institutional trust and investing in participatory frameworks would help diversify support beyond families and foster more resilient pathways for young people’s social integration and life transitions. --------------- IN CROATIAN: Ovo poglavlje istražuje ulogu formalnih i neformalnih struktura podrške u oblikovanju dobrobiti i otpornosti mladih u Hrvatskoj i Sloveniji. U obje zemlje obitelj ostaje najvažniji sustav podrške, pri čemu se majke dosljedno prepoznaju kao središnje figure u pružanju emocionalne i praktične pomoći. Iako i vršnjaci imaju ključnu ulogu, pandemija je poremetila te odnose i smanjila mogućnosti za izravnu interakciju. Institucionalna podrška, poput obrazovnih i zapošljavačkih službi, i dalje je važna, ali se često doživljava kao nedostupna ili slabo prilagođena stvarnim potrebama mladih. Istodobno je zabilježena niska razina povjerenja u političke institucije i sustav socijalne skrbi, osobito u Hrvatskoj, što dodatno učvršćuje oslanjanje na obiteljske mreže. Digitalne platforme sve se više koriste kao alternativa za povezivanje i savjetovanje, iako ne mogu zamijeniti međuljudsku podršku. Preporuke za politike naglašavaju potrebu za širenjem dostupnih, na mlade usmjerenih usluga, uključujući skrb za mentalno zdravlje, profesionalno usmjeravanje i inicijative utemeljene u zajednici. Jačanje povjerenja u institucije i ulaganje u participativne okvire pomoglo bi diverzificirati podršku izvan obitelji i potaknuti otpornije putove društvene integracije i životnih prijelaza mladih.

Item Type:	Book Section
Additional Information:	Language: English. - Title in Croatian: Strukture potpore i međugeneracijska podrška tijekom i nakon pandemije COVID-19.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Youth support, family networks, institutional trust, mental health, Croatia and Slovenia (podrška mladima, obiteljske mreže, institucionalno povjerenje, mentalno zdravlje, Hrvatska i Slovenija)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
Depositing User:	Karolina
Date Deposited:	04 Sep 2025 11:56
Last Modified:	04 Sep 2025 11:56
URI:	http://idiprints.knjiznica.idi.hr/id/eprint/1239

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