To Emerge or Not to Emerge? A Qualitative Inquiry on Basic Needs of Emerging Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose: This study explores the experiences of Turkish emerging adults during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic as regards their needs. Design/Methodology/Approach: In this context, 20 participants (10 males and 10 females) were recruited (March to April, 2020) using purposive snowball sampling in a phenomenological design. Data were collected via semi-structured online interviews and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Findings: We have explored several of the needs experienced by the participants (self-allocation, relational, physiological, career and physical). We also discovered some barriers (relational, physiological, educational, environmental, personal and financial) and facilitators (social support, technological support, physical facilities, educational support and personal traits) to address their needs. We finally asked what they do in order to fulfill their needs (behaviors for building relationships, behaviors for self-allocation, behaviors for career development, behaviors for physical health) Highlights: In light of the findings, It is important to design intervention studies regarding mental health problems that may arise due to emerging adults not being able to meet their needs during the Covid-19 period. In addition, it is recommended that steps be taken in line with the needs of emerging adults by taking into account the findings of this study in the face of possible situations that may be encountered similar to the Covid-19 period.