Migration as an influencing factor on identity formation

The process of identity formation may be influenced by multiple factors. The
study focuses on migration as one of these influencing factors. In a qualitative study, the researcher focused on the process of identity building and reconstructing after migrating from one country to another. It provides an analysis of the processes of adaptation in the new environment that people identified and could reflect upon after their experience of migrating from their countries of origin. Factors of age, language and culture in regard to attaining their new personal identities are considered. Migration is viewed from a perspective of an individual. The goal of the study was to capture personal reflections individuals on the process of their adaptation in a new environment. Data was collected by semi-structured interviews and processed through phenomenological analysis. The results pointed to questions of defining home, accepting or rejecting the local language and applying various ways of adaptation depending on age. The study
provided insight into the topic and confirmed the importance of considering individual experience of individuals when analysing migration issues. The results of the study will further be used in creating educational and therapeutic programmes for people with the experience of migration.