I don't believe anymore : an interpretative phenomenological analysis of deconversion and its disclosure

Abstract

In this study I have looked into the lived experience of deconversion, giving special importance to the act of disclosing the deconversion to one's parents, something which has been largely neglected in previous research. The data was collected during 5 qualitative interviews. The participants were 4 males and a female, between 19 and 29 years of age, who do not believe in any god, spirit or life force and who have communicated this unbelief to their religious parents. The data was analysed using IPA. The main reason for deconversion in this study was scientific doubt, although all participants reported various types of doubts. The deconversion experiences were also contrasted with Rambo's conversion model, and the data suggest that the encounter stage may not be relevant to deconversion. The participants had different concerns and motivations for disclosure to their parents than to their grandparents. Also, despite the relief that some participants felt on disclosure, they had some dissatisfaction regarding their parents' ability to discuss their deconversion with them. However, all except for one participant reported no change in their relationship with their parents as a result of their disclosure.