Understanding the Personal Challenges in Transition among Emerging Adults

A Research Paper

Presented to the Faculty of

Divine Life Institute of Cebu, Inc.,

Yati, Liloan, Cebu, Philippines

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the

Practical Research 1

by:

Dosdos, Brent Marquin O. Chavez, Shenjhe Mae

Dela Rosa, Antonia Magale, Sharlene

April 2024
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

RATIONALE

Transitioning to adulthood is a challenging process that involves significant

personal, social, and physical changes. As youths become young adults, they embark

on a journey of self-discovering, exploring the potential of independence and freedom

associated with adulthood. Without prior preparation or without being adequately

prepared, youth face a range of challenges as they transition into adulthood. They

struggle to manage the sudden freedom and independence, adapt to new

responsibilities, and handle sudden lifestyle changes. They also may experience

difficulties in establishing themselves in their careers and dealing with new pressures

and life phases. Additionally, they struggle to adapt to changing relationships,

particularly those with their family members. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy,

stress, and lack of self-confidence, ultimately making the transition process quite

difficult.

According to Rosenberg, L. (2016), transition between adolescence to adulthood

is a vulnerable period when youths take their first steps towards independence and

begin to enter their new role as adults. It is also a period where serious mental disorders

can begin to occur, and the temptation to use drugs and alcohol is enhanced by

newfound freedom and peer pressure.

 Another study by Hotez et al. (2021) stated that these transitions are often

accompanied by substantial conflict. Although emerging adults are increasingly

expected to autonomously manage their finances, they are often ill-equipped to succeed

in these capacities given inadequate socialization, education, and skill-building prior to

emerging adulthood.

Importantly, a significant portion of emerging adults in the age range of 18 to 24

are currently pursuing college education, which can exaggerate the challenges posed

on them. For instance, there is evidence that college student debt has a detrimental

effect on the subjective well-being of emerging adults. Additionally, emerging adult

college students are found to be at risk of mental health issues like stress and anxiety,

possibly exacerbated by financial woes and the lack of preparedness for self-reliance.

According to McGowan, E. (2016), college students often face financial struggles due to

tuition fees, costly textbooks, accommodation expenses, and daily necessities.

Financial woes can have a detrimental effect on college emerging adults in a variety of

ways. First and foremost, college students often carry significant loan debts, which can

cause stress and anxiety due to the mounting pressure of debt repayment. Financial

strains also limit college students' ability to afford basic necessities, reducing their

quality of life. Additionally, financial woes can negatively impact a person's self-esteem

and confidence, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-confidence.

 In a recent study by Santos, S. (2023), the financial difficulties, societal and

internal pressures, and lack of clear career directions were identified as primary

concerns among Filipino emerging adults. One of the primary causes of stress in this

stage is the lack of financial means and stability, leading to anxiety and uncertainty

about the future. Additionally, societal expectations often add an unfair burden, causing

them to feel pressured to establish a career or financial success in order to meet these

standards.

In a recent study by Perante, L. et al. (2023), the study revealed that emerging

adults who are the eldest child often feel overwhelmed by responsibilities due to their

position in the family. They are faced with pressures to be the achiever, the glue that

holds the family together, and the role model for their younger siblings.

The researchers conducted this research with the aim of shedding light on the

diverse experiences, struggles, perceptions, and coping strategies employed during the

transitional phase of youths towards adulthood. As emerging adults, teenagers often

face unique challenges and obstacles along the way, including the responsibilities and

realities of transitioning to adulthood. The researchers seek to understand the realities

of experiencing the transitional phase towards adulthood and the accompanying

responsibilities and challenges faced by emerging adults.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to explore and understand the

personal challenges encountered by emerging adults during transitional phases in their

lives, shedding light on the diverse experiences, perceptions, and coping strategies

employed during this period of transition.

Furthermore, this study will answer the following questions:

1. What are the specific personal challenges experienced by emerging adults

during transitional phases, such as entering adulthood, pursuing higher

education, or starting a career?

2. What coping mechanisms and strategies do emerging adults employ to navigate

and overcome the personal challenges encountered during transitions?

3. How do social support networks, including family, friends, and mentors,

contribute to the resilience and adaptation of emerging adults in the face of

personal challenges during transitions?

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

In this study, the researchers will examine the perspectives and lived

experiences of selected emerging adults in Divine Life Institute of Cebu, Inc. The

following are some of the sectors for which this study will provide significant and

beneficial results:

Students. The study will give students insights into these challenges, helping

them develop strategies for coping and minimizing the effects.

Future Researchers. The study will serve as a valuable information for future

researchers that is interested in expanding the study.

Emerging Adults. The study will give emerging adults the information needed to

cope up and strategies for minimizing for these challenges.

SCOPE AND DELIMINATION

The study will explore the impact of personal challenges faced by emerging

adults at Divine Life Institute of Cebu, Inc., Liloan, Cebu during their transitional phase,

notably when entering higher education and beginning a job, as well as overall entering

adulthood to their emotional well-being and physical health. The study will focus

specifically on grade 12 home economic students to ensure the data is relevant and

beneficial. This choice has been made because this particular group of students falls

within the scope of emerging adulthood and they are also in a transitional phase.

DEFINITIONS OF TERMS

The following terms are defined in accordance with how they were used in the

study.

Personal Challenges refers refer to the difficulties and obstacles that a certain

individual encounter in their life, such as emotional, social, and identity issues.

Transition refers to the period of time in which an individual, typically a teenager,

makes the transition from childhood to adulthood.

Emerging Adults refers the period of transition between adolescence and adulthood,

typically denoting people aged 18-25.

 CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Emerging adults' transitional phase is often marked by a variety of challenges as

they transition from childhood to adulthood. Some of the most common struggles

include uncertainty regarding direction and purpose, struggles with independence and

self-identity, conflicts with family dynamics, financial hardships, and navigating social

identities and expectations. The transition from adolescence to adulthood is a

vulnerable period when young people take their first definitive steps toward

independence and begin to enter their new role as adults. It is also a period when

serious mental disorders can begin to manifest (Rosenberg, 2016).

To be more specific, the emerging adult transitional stage is undoubtedly a time

of intense introspection and stress, both of which are common amongst many young

people questioning the path they should take for their career, personal relationships,

financial situation, and the general purpose of their life.

German psychologist Erik Erikson believed that this particular point in life is

accompanied by a certain crisis. He referred to it as the "quarter-life crisis", which is

related to the conflict between intimate relationships and isolation. This essentially

refers to the process of having to enter the "real world" and move on from the protection

of the familial home or college campus. This conflict is associated with the dilemma of

having to establish a sense of identity outside of the protective framework of family and

education (Flynn, 2021).

The quarter-life crisis is indeed a phase that often occurs among emerging adults

as they attempt to achieve independence. This typically entails a period of self-

exploration, self-discovery and personal growth, but it can also be a time of great stress

and confusion. However, failing to do so could cause them instability, transition, and

heightened emotions, which may leave them overwhelmed and incapable of coping

(Robinson, 2016).

The societal expectations that often surround emerging adults can play a

significant role in their personal challenges. For emerging adults from certain cultures,

they may be expected to fulfill certain roles and responsibilities towards their family,

such as caring for elderly parents, taking on more household work or managing financial

matters in place of their parents. This added sense of responsibility, alongside their

own personal expectations and ambitions, can prove overwhelming and add to their

stress and anxiety.

 Sometimes, the eldest family member, particularly in certain cultures, are

subjected to a huge amount of pressure and expectations in comparison to other

siblings. This is due to various factors, one of which is the societal expectation that the

eldest child should be the most responsible and reliable, and is expected to carry the

most burdens (Garcia, 2023).

A study by Perante (2023), stated that students who are attending college in

Bocaue, Bulacan in the academic year 2022-2023 do in fact experience various

personal challenges, such as societal expectations from their families, the desire for

independence, uncertainty about the future, and an inability to find their life's purpose.

This just demonstrates how even in the Philippines, these issues are not foreign. In their

study, they also mentioned that these emerging adults experience overwhelming

responsibilities the moment they enter the transitional phase.

A study by Katsiaficas (2017) about how Latino and Afro-Caribbean immigrant-

origin community college students conceptualize adulthood and understand their adult

identities, results reveal that the central task of emerging adulthood is to navigate the

multiple divergent messages about what it means to be an adult between home and

school contexts. For low-income immigrant-origin community college students,

adulthood was defined both by individual responsibility and by social responsibility.

Emerging adulthood becomes a time of assuming responsibility for oneself as well as

for other loved ones.

 The data are drawn from semi-structured group interviews with 17 low-income

immigrant-origin students from three diverse community college campuses in an urban

center in the Northeast. The authors organized the results as a series of dialectic

tensions that highlight the contradictions present in the everyday lives of participants.

These findings suggest that developmental pathways vary for immigrant-origin

emerging adults and provide avenues for further research to explore how this population

emerges into adulthood.

Financial struggles have a profound impact on the transitional phase of emerging

adults during their transitional phase. Firstly, financial struggles can lead to feelings of

insecurity and uncertainty about the future. This may affect their self-esteem and self-

worth, leading to anxiety and depression. Secondly, financial struggles can limit the

ability of emerging adults to access necessary resources and opportunities that are

critical for their personal and professional growth.

According to a study by Bernardo (2018), one of the sources of stress for college

students that has been observed among higher education systems in different parts of

the world relates to financial pressures. Starting at the basic education level, almost

20% of Filipino children who dropped out of school mentioned insufficient financial

resources as the main reason for quitting school (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2015).

Dropping out of school was most probable among 17-year olds, particularly among
those from the lowest income families (Reyes et al., 2015). In the college-age

population, the top reason (mentioned by 37.58%) for not going to college or university

was the high cost of higher education; moreover, about 16.0% of those who opted not to

pursue higher education report that they did so in order to look for work to earn money

for their families (Reyes et al., 2015).

Financial problems have become a pressing issue for many students in the

Philippines, posing challenges that can hinder their educational journey. From

difficulties in paying tuition fees to struggling to meet basic needs, these financial

burdens can have detrimental effects on students’ academic performance (Wise, 2024).

The implications of financial difficulties go beyond just financial constraints. The

emotional and psychological toll of financial difficulties can lead to demotivation and low

engagement, creating a vicious cycle that can hamper academic progress (Wise, 2024).

On some cases, poverty can often be the root cause of these issues as well.

Poverty can create an environment of financial instability and insecurity, which can lead

to anxiety about the future, low self-esteem, increased stress, and low confidence in life

and one's abilities. As they predicted, participants who spent more time in poverty in

early childhood showed signs of worse mental health in emerging adulthood.

Specifically, time spent in poverty was associated with higher levels of externalizing

symptoms and learned helplessness at age 17 (Association for Psychological Science,

2014).
 These personal challenges may have a profound impact on their self-esteem,

self-confidence, and overall sense of well-being, and can even lead to mental health

issues such as anxiety and depression.

CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This section outlines the methods adopted for the study. The chapter begins with

a synopsis of the research design, followed by an examination of the study context and

its target participants. The chapter then discusses the selection of the sample and data

gathering methods, as well as the analysis procedures.

RESEARCH DESIGN

The study is qualitative, the study is conducted with a specific research approach

which is Phenomenology. According to Brown (2020), phenomenology is a

philosophical approach to studying experiences and phenomenon, exploring the first-

person experiences of the individual. Phenomenology is chosen to study the personal

challenges of emerging adults during their transitional phases to uncover the essence of

the phenomenon, which can provide valuable insights.

RESEARCH LOCALE
 The research is conducted at Divine Life Institute of Cebu, Inc. (DLIC) located in

Yati, Liloan, Cebu. Divine Life Institute of Cebu, Inc. (DLIC) is a private academic

institution that offers K-12 education.

RESPONDENTS AND SAMPLING TECHNIQUE

In this study, the chosen respondents are the Grade-12 Home Economic

students in Divine Life Institute of Cebu, Inc. (DLIC). A sample size of 15 participants

and snow ball sampling technique is used to gather participants.

RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS

This study was conducted in an open-ended manner whereby the participants

were allowed to provide detailed responses without being constrained by a rigid set of

options. The primary research method used to collect rich descriptive data from the

participants was in-depth semi-structured interviews. The questions used in the

interview were approved by the research advisor and geared towards extracting

comprehensive information about the participants' lived experiences to fully

comprehend and acquire pertinent data.

DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURE

The researchers used a one-on-one interview to ensure the richness of

information on the phenomenon for this study is about the lived experiences of the

participants. The interview questions are open-ended. The researchers crafted a

consent letter, which was verified by the research adviser, research coordinator, and the
school directress, to fully conduct the study with the chosen participants. The interview

were conducted face-to-face at school and online through Messenger app or Google

Meet. The participants were given a letter of consent before the interview and were

asked about their availability to arrange a schedule for the interview.

DATA ANALYSIS PROCEDURE

To fully review and analyze the collected data, each participant’s responses will

be carefully and individually assessed by the researchers. The responses will be

organized and categorized according to the specific questions in each interview. The

data analysis procedure will be Narrative Analysis. Narrative analysis is suited for our

study because it entails the examination and interpretation of people's experiences,

perspectives, and meanings. This approach enables us to gain valuable insights and

perspectives directly from the individuals who have experienced these issues, allowing

for a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the complexity of the emerging

adult transitional phase.

 CHAPTER 4

THE PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This chapter will present the findings and analysis of the research. It will discuss

the emerging themes and patterns that were identified in the data collected from the key

informants. The findings will be presented in a textual format to facilitate a clear

understanding of the study's outcomes. Additionally, this chapter will assist researchers

in addressing their sub-questions. Therefore, understanding (1) what specific personal

challenges do emerging adults experience and how does it affect them during their

transitional phase, (2) how does coping mechanism, social supports contributes to the

well being and resilience of the emerging adults in the face of these challenges.

A. Effects of personal challenges to emerging adults during their transitional

phase

a.1. The impact of financial struggles

 The extensive data the researchers have collected gave valuable insights into

how financial struggles like not having enough money, or financially unprepared, affects

emerging adults during their transitional phase. In addition, other participants

emphasized how they felt financially unprepared and lacked the necessary funds

needed to fully transition into adulthood.

As per what participants have stated that,

“I think the biggest challenge I face is managing or budgeting my own money or weekly

allowance because everything seems l became a senior high student I realized that I

really have to be an independent and that includes my budgeting my money and also

considering that DLIC is private institution and even though that the tuition is free we

still have other payables like miscellaneous fee, intramural, family day, and other

occasion event done in DLIC, you have to pay and also considering that my strand is

Home Economics really required a large amount of money since you still have buy the

ingredients and something that will you cook and as a student the allowance is only 200

to 250 per week he is not enough like I need to ask my parents for extra money to buy

able to pay school fees and also a spendthrift person. I realized that money is really my

biggest challenge as an emerging adult.” [participant 1]

“Umm… as person from a low income family money really did have a great

impact for me especially that I am graduating student and incoming first year college

student umm… money really did became hindrance for me to find school where I can
find a school where I can study for example like my first choice of school for College

was CTU Danao but I got late and I dont get a chance to like to admission to have my

application that school so I'm having my second choice which is the UC Banilad

considering that UC is also a private institution and my family really don't have a that

kind of amount of money to support my education in that school.” [participants 14]

“We are not that rich and in DLIC, there are a lot of fees, it's really hard to

change your money, your payment is stuck in the project, but it's still scary. it's very

difficult.” [participants 6]

Therefore, financial instability often manifests during the transitional phase as

emerging adults have to manage finances on their own for the first time. This can be

particularly challenging for students who are taking up strands such as Home

Economics, which require buying certain ingredients for projects. The financial

challenges faced by these emerging adults are a result of multiple factors, such as

school fees, living expenses, and other unexpected bills.

a.2 Effect of societal expectations

After thoroughly examining the collected data, it became evident that societal

expectations can place undue pressure and stress on emerging adults, who are still

transitioning and establishing their identities outside the protective framework of their
families and educational institutions. Society's expectations around education, career

trajectory, financial success, and adult responsibilities can often be unrealistic and

excessive, contributing to feelings of inadequacy and helplessness. The immense

stress and pressures placed on emerging adults can lead to anxiety, depression, low

self-esteem, and poor mental health.

As per what participants have stated,

“The troubles of facing daily pressuring amounts of work in school, and at home. Also,

the responsibility that I have as an adult is more pressuring as there are expectations to

be met, and should always be done.” [participant 2]

“As an emerging adult, my personal challenges that i did on a daily basis is that I have

to be much more responsible and grow day by day, as especially that I am the oldest

child in my family, so I really have to set up an image that my sibling or my other family

don't let go. And also, I had some difficulty dealing with other people now that they

have also grown, they have, they have also somewhat changed. So in terms of their

attitude, I have quite a difficulty dealing with that since I was used to deal with them

before and how and what their attitudes are. But right now, it's somewhat, somewhat

uhmm hard for me because I don't know how to deal with them anymore.” [Participant

7]

“As an emerging adult, I often struggle with the internal tension of wanting to live up to

my family's expectations. This internal conflict is especially challenging as I am the

eldest in my family, and therefore, I feel a lot of pressure to take on the role of the

leader and set a good example for my younger siblings.” [Participants 12]

Based on the collected data, these emerging adults felt intense pressures and

expectations from the society, that pushed them to be what the society expected them

to be, this led to a strong sense of frustration. These pressures and expectations made

it feel like the emerging adults had no choice in the matter, and had to be what the

society wanted them to be. As a result, the emerging adults also struggle to set a good

example to their younger siblings, as they feel so much pressure to fit the societal

expectations. They have to hide most of their struggles and frustrations under the

surface, which adds to the weight of their burdens. Because of this, they find it difficult

to be a positive role model, and often feel like they aren't doing enough to guide their

siblings.

a.3 Uncertainty and overthinking about the future

In the data collected, it is apparent that a considerable number of emerging

adults tend to overthink and feel uncertain about their future. Unpreparedness is one of

the key challenges encountered by emerging adults during their transitional phase. This

is due to the suddenness of the transition and the various expectations and pressures

placed upon them. The pace at which the transition takes place makes them feel like

they are unable to keep up, and this leads to a sense of urgency which can then

increase stress and pressure. They often feel overwhelmed and unprepared for the
many new responsibilities and expectations that come with this transition.. Additionally,

the emerging adults also face a significant level of uncertainty regarding career plans

and education choices. This can lead to a sense of indecision and uncertainty about the

future, as well as an increased tendency to overthink and worry.

As per what participants have stated,

“As an emerging adult I often get overwhelmed from thinking about my future in terms

of my academics and as a graduating student I also get overwhelmed by the fast

transition from senior high school to be in college student.” [participants 4]

“It affects my life in a negative way because it causes me to overthink, and overthink,

sometimes I end up thinking of all the worst cases possible.” [participants 15]

“It's happening so quickly that I barely have any time to make sense of it all, and it's

quite overwhelming. The suddenness of it all has made me feel quite unprepared and

unsure of what lies ahead. It seems like I've hardly had a chance to breathe, let alone

really think about how to handle all this responsibility.” [participants 3]

“It's like I'm really having a hard time determining which path to take. Like, I have too

many options, and it's stressing me out. I can't help but continue to doubt myself and

feel anxious about the future.” [participants 11]

 It is indeed evident that the emerging adults feel worry and uncertainty of what

the future holds. They felt that the transitional phase is too fast-paced, and they are not

prepared for it. The emerging adults expressed feelings of unpreparedness and anxiety

about the future.

B. How does coping mechanism, social supports contributes to the well being

and resilience of the emerging adults in the face of these challenges

b.1 Social support

Based on our collected data, we can see that family and peer support and

motivation are critical factors in maintaining resilience in face of these struggles. The

emerging adults spoke highly of their families' encouragement and support throughout

their transitional phase. The family unit provided a sense of comfort and stability during

this crucial period. This positive family environment helped to foster resilience in

moments of difficulty and provided a sense of security which was essential for surviving

and navigating the transitions.

As per what respondents have stated,

“My family really did play a big role in my life especially when I'm really having a

problems ummm for example like im having problems dealing with expenses in school

like a I said my allowance pushes to 200-250 per week and never umm I am in short of
money it would still give me increase of my allowance even though I know they're

struggling budgeting our living expenses and also my friends umm also play a big role

in my life especially that they know that I can't buy that they would like umm buy it for

me instead because they know that I can't and that the things that they are doing is

really big help for me and I am thankful that I have them and I have someone that can

help me with my problems especially about money so yeah.” [participants 1]

“My family gives me the motivation I need to keep pursuing my dream in life. They are

also the ones making it possible by supporting my decisions and paying for my

education. To my friends as well who were always there beside me to help me in times

that I needed it.” [participant 2]

“Having support from family and friends can help a lot. They can listen to you, give

advice, offer encouragement, and provide a sense of belonging, which boosts your

resilience in facing these challenges.” [participant 3]

“The support that i get from my family and friends makes me more motivated and it also

makes me inspired it can help me thinking through my problems and to be more

productive and think more positively.” [participant 6]

 Indeed, the family support provided a significant boost to their resilience, which

then motivated them to be more productive and successful. This was evident in the

emerging adults' responses about their willingness to take on responsibilities, seek out

opportunities, and become active members of their community. The family support also

contributed to a better sense of self-esteem, confidence, and trust in themselves, which

in turn bolstered their resilience and motivation.

b.2 Focus in the present

Based on our collected data, it is indeed evident that focusing on the future really

helps emerging adults who have uncertainty about the future. This is because it allows

them to see beyond their current situation and envision potential paths ahead. The

emerging adults spoke of how focusing on future possibilities allowed them to have

hope and optimism, even when facing challenges in the present. This mindset of

anticipating and planning for the future provided a sense of direction and purpose,

which was essential for their resilience.

As per what respondents have stated,

“The focus on the present has helped me cope with these challenges and worries. By

focusing on the present, I am able to live in the moment and embrace the here and

now. Rather than being fixated on the futur, I am able to focus my attention on the

present moment.” [participant 3]

“Focusing on the present moment also allows me to live in the here and now, rather

than dwelling on potential risks or obstacles that may come in the future. This allows me

to be mindful and remain focused on the current situation, helping me manage my

worries and reduce stress.” [participant 15]

Based on the data, some of these emerging adults indeed did focus on the

present rather than worrying about the future. This approach not only made them more

focused, but also helped them to stay grounded and manage their worries. Instead of

feeling anxious and overwhelmed by all the possibilities and uncertainties ahead, they

could choose to focus on what was in front of them.

 Chapter 5

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION, AND

RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter is structured into three sections. The first section provides a

summary of the findings that were uncovered during the study. The second section

elaborates on the conclusions that were drawn based on the research. Lastly, the third

section details the recommendations that were made based on the findings of the study.

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

The findings of the study were summarized according to the statement of the

problems stated in Chapter 1.

1. The analysis, interpretation, and presentation of the study’s findings delve deep

about the personal challenges faced by emerging adults during their transitional

phase. Through extensive data collection, researchers uncovered profound

insights into how these personal challenges – such as financial struggles,

societal expectations, and uncertainty about the future – affect them during this

phase. Participants revealed how these challenges, affect them like the feeling of

worry, sadness, and pressure.

These experiences underscore the need for resources, supports, and services

that take emerging adults' lived experiences into account during their transitional

phases. This will enable them to navigate these challenges and maximize their

potential during this critical life stage.

2. Furthermore, the findings showed that emerging adults navigate these

challenges through two main approaches. The first is by building coping

mechanisms, such as focusing in the present. The second way is by seeking

support from their family and friends to create a support network that can provide

emotional and informational support to help them get through the challenges

together.

3. Participants reported that the social supports, such as the support from their

family and friends, and the skills they developed from building resilience and self-
 control, help in weathering the hardships they are facing. This contributes to their

overall resilience, or the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adversity.

Conclusion

Based on the indicated findings of the study, the researchers have drawn

the following conclusions.

1. The findings of the study shed light on how personal challenges such as financial

struggles, societal expectations, and uncertainty about the future can deeply

impact emerging adults during this phase of their lives. Participants reported

feeling overwhelming worry, sadness, and pressure. These challenging

experiences can be emotionally and psychologically distressing for individuals,

and may negatively affect their well-being and sense of self-worth.

 2. The study’s findings shed light on the diverse coping strategies that emerging

adults use to overcome personal challenges that occur during their transitional

phase. According to the findings, some respondents sought social support from

their family and friends as a way to cope with these challenging situations.

Others chose to focus on the present rather than fret about the future. The

different strategies participants adopted allowed them to cope with their personal

challenges in a way that suits their individual needs and capacities.

3. The study's findings consistently emphasize the importance of social supports for

emerging adults during their transitional phase. It is clear from the findings that

social support, such as familial or friendship networks, can have a significant

impact on emerging adults, positively shaping their experience during this critical

period. Social supports can provide emotional and informational support, help

manage emotions, and create a sense of safety and belonging that can be

essential for emerging adults during this time of change.

RECOMMENDATIONS

This study revealed the diverse personal challenges faced by emerging

adults during their transitional phase. Thus, the following recommendations are

hereby presented:

1. First of all, it is crucial to build social networks and social support can

help you cope with personal challenges in various ways. Having social
 support provides you with a strong source of support and

encouragement that can help you navigate challenging situations. It

can be a lifeline when experiencing difficult emotions, as the support of

others can provide a source of comfort and validation. Whether you are

facing a personal crisis and need immediate assistance, or you just

want to spend time with people who care about you, these

relationships play a critical role in how you function in your day-to-day

life (Cherry, 2023). Additionally, social support can provide valuable

advice and insights, which can help you figure out an effective course

of action for resolving your challenges. It can also help you identify

potential solutions and resources that may not be immediately obvious

on your own.

2. Building coping mechanisms or strategies is crucial for navigating

personal challenges, because they can help you manage or overcome

those challenges in a healthy and productive way. It can reduce stress

and worry, help you remain calm and focused, and create a sense of

resilience to better deal with difficult situations in the future.

Concerning your mental health, doing everything you can to protect it

should be high on your list of priorities (Self Care Fundamentals,

2021).

3. Learning money management is important both in the present and for

the future. For one thing, it can help you avoid debts and stay within
 your budget. This will be especially helpful as a college student, since

tuition fees, textbooks, and other school expenses can strain a

student’s finances. By learning money management, you can ensure

that you have enough money for these essential expenses and other

necessities. Not only that, but learning money management will also

help you build lifelong financial habits that can be carried on after your

college years. This can help you save money and build wealth for the

future. Learning the 50/30/20 rule is also an important step when

learning money management. This rule is simple and effective, and it

suggests that you should allocate your money in the following way:

50% of your income should be used for essential bills and expenses,

30% can be spent on things like leisure or hobbies 20% should be

used for savings. The 50/30/20 rule can help you manage your money

wisely, and it provides a simple framework to ensure that you're

spending and saving responsibly.

4. Meditating is an important practice for various reasons. It can help you

achieve mental clarity and reduced stress levels, which can be

beneficial for your overall wellbeing. Meditation helps you focus your

mind on the present moment, which helps you to develop self-

awareness and manage your thoughts and emotions. It can also help

you stay calm in stressful situations and manage your reactions better.

For these reasons, meditation can be helpful not only in reducing

stress and managing emotions, but also in developing various life

skills, such as resilience, focus, and self-awareness.