نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
نویسنده
دانشیار گروه علوم اجتماعی، واحد تهران مرکزی، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، تهران، ایران
چکیده
کلیدواژهها
عنوان مقاله [English]
نویسنده [English]
Background and Objective: Identity crisis extends beyond a biological transition and constitutes a socio-cultural experience that may profoundly challenge women's sense of identity and meaning in life. The present study aims to explore women's lived experiences and examine how they construct meaning around social support in the reconstruction of their individual and social identities. The research is theoretically informed by Margaret Mead's Culture and Personality approach and Barbara Safar's theoretical framework, both of which emphasize the pivotal role of social support in the redefinition of personal and social identity. Methods: This study employed a qualitative research design using thematic analysis. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 40 women aged 30 to 40 years who were selected through purposive sampling. Data analysis was conducted through a three-stage coding process, including initial codes, subthemes, and overarching themes. The trustworthiness of the findings was established through member checking, peer review, and rich, thick description. Findings: The findings reveal that women's identity crisis is interpreted not merely as a biological transition but as an experience of premature aging and the suspension of femininity. Participants described feelings of losing gender-related roles, changes in body image, enforced silence, and continuous self-monitoring in response to social expectations and judgments. Within this context, social support emerged as conditional support, becoming effective only when accompanied by empathy, acceptance, and recognition of women's lived experiences. Such support facilitates psychological well-being, meaning reconstruction, and sustained social participation. Conclusion: The findings suggest that women's identity crisis is an interactive and intersubjective process in which the availability and quality of multidimensional, meaningful, and empowering social support play a decisive role in shaping identity-related outcomes. Accordingly, the study highlights the strategic importance of developing integrated psychosocial interventions and professional training programs grounded in the paradigm of identity empowerment to promote women's health and well-being
کلیدواژهها [English]
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