Relationship Guidance Sources, Fears and Reasons for Marriage among Young Urban Christians in Kenya

Abstract

Existing professional services for young people especially in developing countries need to be informed by the local situation for them to be effective. The study aimed at identifying sources of relationship guidance, young people’s fears and reasons for marriage. 65 young Christians in Nairobi with an average age of 25.23 (sd.4.38) completed a self-report questionnaire. Results indicate that the participants relied mainly on friends for relationship guidance. Social emotional benefits, especially companionship, were the major motivation for young people to marry. Infidelity and divorce were the main sources of fear of marriage. Suggestions for research and practice are given