Neurogene Small Grant – Identity And Personhood Of African Young People: Ethical Considerations For Digital Innovation For Mental Health

Prof Eunice Kamaara (PI), David Nderitu-Egerton, Sarah Wawa, and Tracy Magoma are collaborating on this project, funded through the NeuroGenE small grant scheme.

Youth identity develops during a transient developmental stage and includes the reasoning of existential reality in different contexts. In Kenya, indigenous African worldviews, historical socio-political and economic experiences, and contemporary or emerging global ideologies are among some of the critical factors contributing to youth identity. Emerging technologies could exacerbate mental health complications but also provide novel opportunities to address mental health. This project explores how personhood, identity, and contexts in Africa inform ethical considerations to guide the development and use of digital innovations addressing mental health needs of young people in Africa.