| This study inquired into the processes that assist men in the development of a mature masculine identity. Fourteen men between the ages of 30 and 65, currently attending a men's group, who agreed they were working toward a mature masculine identity, were interviewed. Prior to the interviews, examination of the relevant literature was conducted in order to gain insight into how to formulate a general interview guide. Using a qualitative, heuristic method, the primary researcher actively engaged the coresearchers in their experience through interviews lasting no longer than 3 hours. The recurring process of immersion, incubation, and illumination informed the direction of the analysis and allowed the primary researcher to examine multiple facets of the phenomenon. The gathering and analysis of the data revealed three overarching themes: The Push, which consists of 5 subthemes---Crisis, Pain, Propensity, Grace or Soul Evolution, and Luck; Searching for Meaning, made up of 6 subthemes---Mindfulness, Wandering, Role Models, Becoming a Man, Internal Conflict, and Social Pressures; and Finding Balance, consisting of 7 subthemes---Balance, Authenticity, Subpersonalities, Community, Spirituality, Sexuality, and Defining Mature Masculinity. The themes often blended together and were often intertwined with personal experience. The primary researcher's own experience of the phenomenon was integral in the development and compilation of themes, in turn furthering his own development. The study concluded with a discussion of implications and potential topics for future research, as well as the relevance to individual therapy, group therapy, and applications for use in a men's group. |
