Exploring the Transformation of Personal Identity in Adolescents with Bipolar Disorder: A Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the transformation of personal identity in adolescents with bipolar disorder through an interpretative phenomenological approach. A qualitative design using interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 adolescents diagnosed with bipolar disorder, purposefully selected from psychology centers in Tehran. Interviews continued until theoretical saturation was reached. All data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically using NVivo software. Thematic analysis resulted in three major themes: (1) identity confusion and personal instability, (2) efforts toward identity reconstruction, and (3) social perception of illness and its impact on identity. Sixteen subthemes and over 70 open codes were identified. Participants described experiences such as inner duality, fragmented self-image, search for meaning in illness, concealment of the disorder, and redefinition of social roles. The interaction between internal and external factors was central to the identity reconstruction process. Bipolar disorder in adolescence impacts identity at a fundamental level beyond mood symptoms. The findings underscore the need for multidimensional therapeutic approaches that address identity rebuilding and reduce societal stigma. Emphasizing inner narratives, creativity, and social support can facilitate the recovery of a coherent self.