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Open Access 19-01-2021 | Original Paper

Grieving the Living: The Social Death of Former Jehovah’s Witnesses

Authors: Heather J. Ransom, Rebecca L. Monk, Derek Heim

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 3/2022

Abstract

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.

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Title: Grieving the Living: The Social Death of Former Jehovah’s Witnesses
Authors: Heather J. Ransom
Rebecca L. Monk
Derek Heim
Publication date: 19-01-2021
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 3/2022
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-020-01156-8

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Grieving the Living: The Social Death of Former Jehovah’s Witnesses

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