Distinct Features of Emerging Adulthood in Kenya

Anne W. Muchiri, Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology Candidate; Charity W. Waithima, Ph.D., United States International University-Africa; & Jeffrey J. Arnett, Ph.D., Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA

Research on emerging adulthood continues to grow worldwide. However, extensive research is yet to be conducted among African populations (Obadioa, 2019). This study investigated the endorsement of the five features of emerging adulthood among young people aged 18-29 years, in the Nairobi Metropolitan Region of Kenya, and explored whether there are significant differences between collegiate and non-collegiate populations in perceptions of the transition to adulthood. Data was collected using the Inventory for the Dimensions of Emerging Adulthood (IDEA). Results from this study indicate that young people endorse the five features of emerging adulthood. The highest endorsed feature was identity exploration while the least endorsed feature was negativity/instability. Significant differences were noted in the endorsement of the five features between collegiate and non-collegiate participants. Understanding young people in Kenya within the context of emerging adulthood and enabling practitioners, parents, instructors, institutions, and society as a whole, to adequately address the unique challenges that emerging adults in Kenya are facing.

Keywords: adulthood, transitions, emerging adulthood, features, sub-Saharan, Africa, Kenya.