The identity of Iranian male adolescents in the context of master narrative of their lives: A qualitative study

Introduction: There is not in-depth knowledge about the master narrative of identity and its quiddity in current generation of Iranian adolescents. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify and validate the master narrative model of identity of Iranian adolescents. Method: This study was a basic research with a mixed approach. In the qualitative phase, the population consisted of male adolescents aged 15-20 years old, as well as psychologists and sociologists in Tehran in 2020. Nineteen adolescents were selected by convenience sampling and six specialists by purposive sampling. In the quantitative phase, the population consisted of adolescents aged 15-20 years old in Tehran in 2020, from which 218 people were selected by convenience sampling. In the qualitative phase, data were collected through the life story interview (McAdams, 1995) and in the quantitative phase by a researcher-made questionnaire. In the qualitative phase, data were analyzed through the content analysis method and in the quantitative phase through the confirmatory factor analysis. Result: The results of content analysis in addition to factor analysis indicated the master narrative model of adolescents includes components such as family belonging, adherence to religious values and obedience to parents. Results of second-order factor analysis also indicated the obedience to parents (Z=1.32) has the most contribution in the model. Conclusion: Despite the development of modern values in Iranian society, traditional values still play a significant role in the master narrative of identity of Iranian male adolescents.