Exploring the Occupational Transition of Leaving a New Alternative Religious Movement (NARM)

After leaving a new alternative religious movement (NARM), many former members experience psychological distress. Tops et al. (2018) identified four major categories of psychological distress: emotional difficulties, cognitive difficulties, relational and social integration difficulties, and other specific problematic behaviors. Many research studies have addressed the psychological impacts of NARMs, but no occupational science research has been conducted to examine the impact that NARM’s have on former members’ occupations. This study will identify common themes within first person narrative accounts of leaving a NARM, and examine how former members navigate this significant life change. It will illuminate how former members experience the occupational transition of leaving a NARM, providing better insight to professionals who serve this population. As a result, former members may have access to better support when leaving. By adding an occupational lens to this phenomena, this research can deepen the understanding of this population’s lived experience, expand occupational science literature, and broaden the understanding of occupational transitions.

For the purposes of this study, we will use interpretive description as the basis of our methodology (Thorne, 2016). Qualitative thematic analysis will be used as our method (Braun & Clarke, 2012). This study will include analysis of primary sources by self-identified former members. Sources will include published works, documentaries, podcasts, or other verified sources which include information that is relevant to the research questions and provide the level of depth required for substantive analysis. All sources must be open to the general public and the member must be at least 18 at the time of sharing their story. Analysis will exclude sources that require membership for access and materials that were published more than 20 years ago. Data analysis will include both inductive and deductive coding. Deductive coding will utilize Wilcock’s theory of ‘doing, being, becoming and belonging’ (Wilcock, 1998). This research study has been approved by the Dominican University of California IRB.

Findings for this study have not been completed to date. Data will be analyzed by May of 2022 and will be ready to present for conference by October 2022.

While there is a large body of interdisciplinary research that has been conducted regarding NARMs, there has been little to no research that has been conducted within the field of occupational science. Gaining an understanding of the occupational transition of individuals who leave new alternative religious movements (NARM) will add to foundational occupational science knowledge within this population.