A recent study highlights how nearly 2 million Christian missionaries worldwide utilize similar communication strategies to articulate their experiences abroad and the challenges of returning home. Conducted by researchers from the University of Connecticut and the University of Oklahoma, the research reveals that missionaries often draw upon metaphors, biblical language, and personal narratives to express their feelings and the complexities of re-adjusting to life after their assignments.
The study, published in the journal Human Communication Research, involved interviews with 26 missionaries who served in various locations, including Africa, the Philippines, Russia, and Brazil. Most participants were affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and many were single, white females in their twenties. The researchers found that upon returning, these individuals consistently used a common language toolkit that incorporated biblical vernacular and personal metaphors.
“This study helps us understand how people give meaning to difficult experiences and how they make sense of the changes that happen in their lives,” said R. Amanda Cooper, an assistant professor in UConn’s Department of Communication. The findings underscore a universal process of sense-making that extends beyond missionaries to anyone undergoing significant life transitions.
Missionaries’ Unique Communication Strategies
Cooper and her colleague Alice Fanari focused on how missionaries articulate their experiences and the emotional challenges associated with returning home. Many missionaries experience a transformation in identity while serving abroad, often assuming new roles during their missions. For instance, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints adopt titles such as “Sister” for women and “Elder” for men, which they shed upon returning home.
“The missionaries we talked to described a wrestling match between the ‘old self’ and the ‘new self,'” Cooper explained. This struggle can complicate their reintegration into everyday life, as they grapple with how to merge the person they became during their service with their previous identity.
During interviews, researchers noted that the missionaries employed vivid metaphors and biblical themes to express their feelings. For instance, one missionary likened her uncertainty about the future after returning home to the darkness following the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the hope of eventual resurrection. “She wove this biblical story and metaphor into her own experience so naturally,” Cooper observed.
Challenges of Reintegration and the Need for Support
Returning missionaries often face challenges similar to those experienced by military veterans or international volunteers. The emotional toll of adjusting back to life at home can leave many feeling isolated. “The pressure to reintegrate has such a clear expiration date. It’s as if everyone expects you to just readjust and get back to life,” Fanari noted.
Cooper’s own experience as a former missionary informed her understanding of these challenges. She recalled feelings of fear and uncertainty upon returning home, emphasizing the importance of creating supportive environments for returning missionaries. “Establishing a space for them to share their stories can be incredibly beneficial,” she said.
The researchers suggest that missionaries should be reassured that their experiences will continue to shape their identities, even if they no longer engage in missionary work. Creating a plan for reintegration, including family support or job assistance, can significantly ease the transition back to everyday life.
“Our study reveals insights into the emotional landscape of returning missionaries and offers guidance on addressing their pain points,” Cooper concluded. By understanding the communication strategies they employ, families, friends, and organizations can better support missionaries as they navigate their reintegration into society.
This research sheds light on how language and shared experiences play crucial roles in helping individuals process significant life changes, highlighting the importance of effective communication in fostering understanding and connection during challenging transitions.
