The Effect of New Religious Movement Affiliation and Disaffiliation on Reflexivity and Sense of Self

Bibliographic Data

ID2287643
AuthorsDominiek Coates (0000-0002-4463-7615, School of Humanities and Social Science University of Newcastle, corresponding author)
Year2013
Volume52
Issue4
Pages793-809
Publication date2013-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal for the Scientific Study of Religion (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0021-8294 • E-ISSN: 1468-5906
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/jssr.12069
OpenAlexW1568599682
LanguageEN
Citations received9
References cited72

Challenging the contemporary belief that emotional damage invariably results from new religious movement (NRM) participation, this study shows that membership in and exit from a world-rejecting NRM may initiate the development of increased reflexivity and a personal sense of self for some former members. Out of a sample of 23 former members, 12 participants were identified who report prior histories of 'other-directedness' and for whom exit from an NRM instigated a shift toward increased independence and individuality. Employing symbolic interactionist theories of self, this article conceptualizes the process through which these participants may be understood to have gained in reflexivity and personal autonomy. Four case studies demonstrate how the identity loss and uncertainty suffered following exit can 'shock' former members into self-awareness and reflexivity, instigating a period of active learning about personal emotions, thoughts, and beliefs that leads to the active construction of a stronger personal self

Aesthetics · Autonomy · Identity (music) · Personal identity · Political science · Psychology of self · Reflexivity · Self · Social science · Sociology · Law · Philosophy · Psychology · Religion and Society Interactions · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology · Social Power and Status Dynamics · Social Psychology

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