EFFECTS OF PARENTAL NEGLECT ON LEVEL OF ADJUSTMENT DURING TRANSITION TO YOUNG ADULTHOOD: CASE OF YOUNG WOMEN IN MIGWANI SUB-COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

The concept of a healthy transition to young adulthood includes situations where the young adult assumes independent roles like work, financial independence and moving from the parents’ house to their own house to achieve full independence. Moreover, parental support is regarded as key in influencing the transition process where the young adults constantly require the support of their parents in various ways to become fully independent as well as master some skills of survival on their own in the world. This study sought to identify the effects of parental neglect on level of adjustment during the transition to young adulthood among young women in Migwani sub-county. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Data was collected by the use of questionnaires and the reliability of the instruments was accepted at 0.89 using the Cronbach alpha coefficient. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis with the help of SPSS version 23, and the results presented using tables and percentages. The findings of the study showed that majority of the respondents (82%) engaged in risky lifestyles to deal with problems that come their way. Other impacts like poor decisions and mistreatment from friends whom they seek help from had a percentage of 79% and 78% respectively. The study recommended that parents of young adult women should be empowered to effectively respond to the various needs that young women face to prevent their maladaptive behaviors.