Family experience in facilitating adolescents during self-identity development in ex-localization in Indonesia

BACKGROUND: Self-identity is a personal reflection that is consistent and covers various individual aspects, such as job/career, spirituality, relations, intellectuality, sexuality, culture, interests, personality, and physical identity. The increasing level of juvenile delinquency worldwide, including in Indonesia, is a manifestation of unsuccessful identity development in adolescents. Self-identity development is inseparable from family influence. This study aimed to explore the experiences of families in facilitating their adolescents during self-identity development while living in ex-localization. METHODS: This study used a descriptive qualitative design and involved 12 participants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: This study resulted in five themes: the identity achievement of adolescents living in ex-localization is similar to that of adolescents in general; the domination of external barriers during identity achievement; ex-localization as a stressor; families’ efforts to facilitate their adolescents during identity achievement; and family expectations for the future. CONCLUCIONS: This study highlights the importance of improving family awareness of adolescents’ identity achievement when living in ex-localization with the help of nursing mental health professionals.