2021/01/19 by Heather J. Ransom, Rebecca L. Monk, Derek Heim
Psychology · Social Sciences · #Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health #Migration, Health and Trauma #Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology
paper · pdf · doi:10.1007/s10943-020-01156-8
crossref issued 2021/01/19 · crossref published 2021/01/19 · crossref published-online 2021/01/19 · openalex publication_date 2021/01/19 · crossref created 2021/01/19 · crossref deposited 2022/05/27 · crossref published-print 2022/06/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · crossref indexed 2026/07/29 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
Addressing a relative lack of research investigating the experiences of individuals who have left the Jehovah's Witnesses (JW), this research utilizes a social identity approach to examine qualitatively, the process of transitioning towards post-JW life, experiences of ostracism and perceived threats to self-identity. Semi-structured interviews were carried out in the homes of six former JWs, and transcripts were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Narratives suggest that experiences of ostracism following religious exit can be associated with diminished mental health, while having a sense of agency and establishing new (online) social connections may help mitigate adverse consequences. Implications and future research directions are discussed.