A Qualitative Exploration of the Lived Experiences of Adolescents in Veteran Families Regarding Family Communication Patterns and Their Reflection on Self-Awareness

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allamah Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran.

2 PhD Student in Educational Psychology, Jame’e Enqelab-e Eslami University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Family communication patterns play a significant role in shaping adolescent self-awareness. Sacrifice-making families (Isargar families) provide a distinct context for studying the link between communication patterns and adolescent self-awareness. The present research aims to investigate the lived experiences of adolescents from sacrifice-making families regarding family communication patterns and their reflection in self-awareness. The study employs a qualitative, phenomenological approach. This research was conducted in 2025 on 14 purposefully selected female adolescents aged 14 to 17 from Shahid and Isargar families in Kashan city. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection, and Colaizzi’s method was applied for content analysis and category identification. The analysis results identified 55 sub-categories, which were grouped into 17 main categories under four primary sections: Describing the pattern of family relationships in Isargar families, How family relationships influence the development of self-awareness, Benefits and consequences of self-awareness, and The most effective parent in self-awareness growth and their strategies. The findings describe the essence of the lived experience of these adolescents within a communication pattern of "Supportive, Dialogue-Based, and Cohesive." This pattern, by creating a safe and open space for emotional expression, leads to enhanced self-awareness, particularly in the dimensions of emotion management and rational decision-making. Furthermore, the active role of the mother and parental strategies based on empathy and shared experience were identified as a key factor in strengthening the self-awareness of Isargar children.

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Military Psychology
Volume 16, Issue 3 - Serial Number 63
Autumn Quarterly
December 2025

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History

  • Receive Date: 07 October 2025
  • Revise Date: 01 December 2025
  • Accept Date: 15 December 2025

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