A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Connecticut and the University of Oklahoma has found that nearly two million Christian missionaries worldwide employ similar communication strategies to articulate their experiences abroad and the challenges of returning home. The findings, published on January 14, 2026, in the journal Human Communication Research, highlight how missionaries use language, including metaphors and biblical references, to express their feelings and navigate their transitions.
Researchers R. Amanda Cooper and Alice Fanari interviewed 26 missionaries who engaged in proselytizing, teaching, or service across various locations, including Africa, the Philippines, Russia, and Brazil. The majority of participants were affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with others identifying as non-denominational Christians or Catholics. Most were single, white females in their 20s.
Cooper, an assistant professor in UConn’s Department of Communication, explained that the study sheds light on how individuals derive meaning from challenging experiences. “Life is full of challenging transitions, sometimes dramatic and sometimes less dramatic. Our study gives us insight into the ways people draw upon language to give meaning and make sense of something that’s challenging,” she said.
The research marks the second phase of their examination of the missionary experience, with the first focusing on the cultural adjustments upon returning home. Fanari noted that many returning missionaries struggle with reintegration, paralleling the experiences of military veterans or international volunteers.
Missionaries often adopt a new identity while abroad, with members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints using titles like “Sister” or “Elder” in place of their first names. Upon returning home, they must reconcile this new identity with their previous selves. Cooper described this internal conflict as a “wrestling match” between the “old self” and the “new self.”
The researchers found that missionaries frequently referenced biblical verses and narratives to articulate their feelings. One participant illustrated her uncertainty about returning home by comparing it to the darkness following the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, expressing hope for a “resurrection.” This vivid use of metaphor was noted as a common theme in the interviews.
Cooper emphasized the importance of understanding the unique vernacular within missionary communities, which allows individuals to articulate their experiences more effectively. She recounted her own challenges upon returning from her missionary service, highlighting the anxiety surrounding reintegration into everyday life.
The study also explored the broader implications for returning missionaries. Cooper and Fanari recommended creating spaces for these individuals to share their stories. Many returning missionaries feel unheard, and their experiences often go untold. “The pressure to reintegrate has such a clear expiration date,” Fanari remarked.
To mitigate the difficulties of reentry, Cooper suggested that sending organizations and families could assist in establishing plans for returning missionaries, helping to ease their transition back into civilian life.
“Our study pulls back the curtain on what it looks like for people to come home and provides some guidance on where some of the pain points might be,” Cooper stated. The researchers hope that by recognizing the significance of these experiences, support systems can be developed to better assist returning missionaries in their reintegration processes.
As a growing number of missionaries embark on service assignments each year, understanding their communication strategies and challenges can foster greater awareness and support for their unique journeys.
