James Westwood, Utah Valley University
Social and Behavioral Sciences
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expects young adult males to serve a religious mission, and gives young women the same option. Those who choose to serve, do so for two years if male, and 18 months if female. Occasionally, some return home prior to the full term of service due to unforeseen medical, mental health, or adjustment-related issues. Many who return early perceive themselves as failures, ostracized and unfairly judged. This phenomenological study explores the experiences of these young men, gains an understanding from their perspective, and provides helpful insight and understanding to church members, church leaders and clinicians who work with this population.
This mixed methods study uses a sequential data collection from interviews and a survey. First, a sample of 12 local adult males, who returned early from their missions, were interviewed using a semi-structured format. Selections were made through convenience sampling. We explored their experiences including their perceptions of their mission preparation and training, on-mission experiences, circumstances that ended their missions, and their post-mission adjustment. Second, using the information from the interviews, a survey instrument was developed. It was open from April to September 2013 for all eligible participants. Sample members were male and female and ranging in age from 19-65 years. Survey advertising was done through word-of-mouth and multi-media faucets. Of the surveys taken, 348 were completed and analyzed.
The data provided needed descriptive information about the Early Returned Missionary population. In addition, several regression models were extracted identifying factors related to the spiritual experiences of these missionaries, their feelings of failure, and periods of church inactivity. We interpreted the results using Van Gennep’s Rite of Passage Theory, and used the same theory to give suggestions on ways to understand and apply the material.