Self-identity Development, Self-esteem Formation and Psychological Wellbeing of Blind Twin Musicians in Türkiye: The Case of Kerim-Selim Altınok

Abstract

Self-identity development is an umbrella concept that covers various theoretical themes. Self-esteem, on the other hand, reflects an individual’s overall evaluation of their feelings and ‘worth’. This manuscript aims to explore the identity development and self-esteem formation of Kerim Altınok (KA) and Selim Altınok (SA). The twin brothers are well-known and celebrated blind musicians in Türkiye. In Türkiye and elsewhere, blind people tend to experience significant life difficulties, and suffer from low self-esteem and dented self-identity. We used qualitative methods to conduct this study. Utilizing semi-structured questionnaire, we carried out in-depth-interviews with the twin brothers. Specifically, we focused on how the participants have constructed the notions of ‘Me’ and ‘I’, and successfully developed strong self-identity and high self-esteem. The first interview took place at a local restaurant in a leafy suburb of Istanbul in 2019. We conducted the rest of the interviews online because of the coronavirus pandemic outbreak in 2020-2021. We transcribed the interviews, and the data were subjected to thematic analysis. Our findings suggest that Kerim and Selim developed high self-esteem and strong self-identity over the decades despite becoming blind at a young age. They encountered and overcame major life challenges from childhood to adult life. Their life narratives are remarkable and there is a real opportunity to learn from their lived experience, and how they have developed strong self-identity and high self-esteem despite living with a primary disability.