Work

“I Worked Really Hard to Know Who I Am”: A Qualitative Study of Identity Development in Latter-Day Saint Women in Midlife

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Although identity development is often framed as a task of adolescence, identity continues to evolve across the life course. Midlife, in particular, involves significant role change, reflection, and meaning-making, yet women’s midlife identity development within religious contexts remains understudied. Using life course and narrative identity frameworks, this qualitative study examined how women navigate identity shifts during midlife within a family-centered faith context. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 women aged 38–69 who identified as practicing members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in six countries. A grounded theory analysis revealed three interrelated processes, identity disruption, re-evaluation, and revision, while anchoring identity in core sources of meaning. Faith and purpose provided continuity across transitions, supporting coherence, resilience, and growth. These findings challenge deficit-based models and position midlife as a generative period of ongoing identity development.

Source: Genealogy

DOI: 10.3390/genealogy10020054

Authors: Chenae Christensen-Duerden, Sarah M. Coyne, Loren Marks, Erin K. Holmes, Ashley Larsen Gibby

Institution: Brigham Young University

Language: English

Topic: Identity, Memory, and Therapy

Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Gender equality

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,689