Javad Khodadadi Sengdeh, Fatemeh Ghahremani Mutlaq, Fariba Ebrahimi,
Volume 23, Issue 90 (6-2024)
Abstract
Amin: The purpose of this research is to identify the positive changes and growth of mothers in different dimensions after adopting the role of parenting.Method: This qualitative research was conducted using the thematic analysis approach. The studied population is equal to the participants of the research, it included couples who have lived for at least 7 years and have at least one 2-year-old child, are relatively satisfied with their lives, live in Tehran and participated in the research with their consent. The participants were selected from eligible clients through targeted sampling and available methods. The sampling process continued until theoretical saturation was reached and finally 18 participants were studied through interviews. Results: According to the results of the research, mothers believe that since the birth of a child, they experience changes in personal, marital and social relations; So that the personal dimensions include: the expansion of responsibility, the expansion of self-concept and patience; Also, the developments that we witness in the marital relationship include intimacy, enrichment of marital cohesion, consolidation of boundaries and creation of parental identity, and finally, the developments of social relations include revision of the social role and expansion of the bond with the family of origin. Conclusions: Having children creates positive changes in mothers in personal, marital, social-cultural dimensions, which increases the satisfaction of the couple relationship.
Zahra Taziki, Azadeh Choobforoushzadeh, Yasser Rrzapour,
Volume 23, Issue 90 (6-2024)
Abstract
Aim: Marital infidelity, which is known as one of the social problems, can cause the collapse of the family or even cause a crime. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the mediating role of marital intimacy in the relationship between midlife crisis and the tendency to Infidelity in middle-aged men. Methods: This research was of correlation type with structural equation modeling method. The statistical population of this research consisted of all men aged 40 to 60 in Razavi Khorasan province. The research sample was selected from the current population using available sampling method, the tools included: The questionnaire was marital intimacy (Walker and Thompson, 1983), mid-life identity crisis (Rajaei et al., 2017) and tendency to infidelity (Bashirpour et al., 2017). The sample size of this research included 200 men. Data analysis was done using structural equation method and SPSS and AMOS software. Findings: The results of the analysis indicated a direct and significant relationship between the midlife crisis and the tendency to commit marital infidelity. Also, there was an indirect relationship between midlife crisis and the tendency to commit marital infidelity, due to marital intimacy. Marital intimacy also had an inverse and significant relationship with the independent variable of midlife crisis. And finally, there was an inverse and significant relationship between the desire for marital infidelity and marital intimacy. Therefore, the assumed model has a good fit. Conclusion: Considering the predictive role of midlife crisis and the role of marital intimacy in people's tendency to commit marital infidelity, Specialists should emphasize the need to provide appropriate training to couples who are exposed to these injuries.
Fatemeh Meghdadi Chavari, Mahdi Khanjani, Hossein Eskandari,
Volume 23, Issue 90 (6-2024)
Abstract
Aim: The research aimed to study the psychological consequences of child marriage among girls through a phenomenological approach and semi-structured interviews. Methods: Twenty women from Gilan, Khoozestan, Sistan and Baloochistan, Khorasan and Yazd province who experienced child marriage and their current ages were less than 50 years old were selected through purposive sampling. Interviews and observations were conducted by traveling to each province. Colaizzi method was used in order to analysis data. Results: Results were included of 5 main themes and 15 sub themes in psychological consequences. Main themes are crashed ego, psychic traumas, negative emotions, immaturity and personal maturity. Conclusion: The results showed that negative psychological consequences of child marriage are much more than their positive ones.
Somayeh Parsirad, Ebrahim Naeimi, Ali Bahadori Jahromi, Mohsen Ebrahimi,
Volume 23, Issue 91 (11-2024)
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of the family counselors of the judiciary system to identify the effective features of the family counseling in reducing family disputes and strengthening the family. Methods: This was a phenomenonological type of qualitative research. The participants in the research included 20 people (13 women and 7 men) whoe were family counselors at the judiciary system in several Iranian cities during 1399-1400 Persian calendar. Participants were selected using the purposeful sampling method according the entry criteria. Sampling continued until saturation was reached. In order to analyze the data, first, the data were recorded and coded, then analyzed using Van Menen's interpretive phenomenological analysis method. Results: The findings of the research included 6 main themes and 33 sub-themes of counselors' experiences as effective therapeutic features. The main themes obtained include: goals pursued to reduce family disputes and strengthening the family, characteristics of counselors, facilitating and promoting measures of counseling alongside the court proceeding, failure of resistance in clients beside the court, interventions to achieve change in order to reduce family disputes and strengthen the family and the characteristics of the counseling location in order to increase the effectiveness of the counseling near the court. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that the counselors of the judiciary system who have a lower divorce rate at the end of the counseling sessions and are more successful in solving family problems than their other colleagues, have personal characteristics and principles governing their meetings as such that it provides safe and favorable conditions for this group of clients and paves the way for raising issues, listening to them, and ultimately resolving their concerns
Masoumeh Bagheri, Marziyeh Shahryari, Mehran Bondori, Banoo Beigy Malekabad,
Volume 23, Issue 91 (11-2024)
Abstract
Aim: The purpose of this research is to identify the attitude of family counselors towards the reasons and contexts of the formation of parallel relationships among couples in city of Ahvaz. Methods: This research was conducted using qualitative approach and grounded theory method through theoretical and purposeful sampling, in which 20 counselors of public and private family centers participated in in-depth interviews. The theoretical sampling process continued until the data saturation stage was reached. The collected data were analyzed using open, axial and selective coding. Results: The emerged model includes three dimensions of conditions, action-interactions, and consequences. The "conditions" dimension includes the deterioration of public attitudes and opinions, virtual space facilitating extra-marital relationships, sensationalism and lack of body care, couples' unwillingness to talk to each other, not maintaining the boundaries of personal life, immersion in family roles and social, imposition of choice and hidden protest, experience of modern love and marital frustration, not being able to cope, lack of satisfaction with married life, "action-interaction" dimension, including trying to relieve the significant other, "consequences" dimension, including the elimination of the culture of shame and modesty, self-deception and other insidious deception, fighting with oneself and obsessively searching for love, social isolation and the prevalence of social harms, which are formed around the core category of "hidden objection to life without love". Conclusion: Given that, parallel relationships are a danger to the health and safety of the family and society. Therefore, by using the concepts extracted in this research, experts can identify the platforms for the formation of parallel relationships and examine the strategies, and it can be a guide in couple therapy and pre-marital counseling.
Ebrahim Fehli,
Volume 23, Issue 91 (11-2024)
Abstract
Aim: The current research aimed to conduct a comparative study of the meaning of life in atheistic existentialism and the Quranic view of Allameh Tabataba’i. Methods: This research was carried out with a qualitative approach and the thematic analysis method of Brown and Clark and the comparative method of Brady. The research population includes all the documents, written sources and articles related to the subject and the purposeful sampling method and the adequacy of the sample size of the studied documents was obtained through the data saturation method. The research tool was document analysis, whose validity was examined by the Lincoln and Goba method concerning four criteria of credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability, and the data were analyzed by the thematic analysis method. Results: In the analysis of the themes, it was found that the atheistic existentialism and the Qur'anic view of Allameh Tabataba'i could be investigated and recognized with 3 themes respectively in the fields of epistemology, cosmology and anthropology. Conclusion: The results indicated a consensus between the two perspectives on humans' existential need for the meaning of life and the emergence of a psychological crisis in case of any disruption in its realization. Atheistic existentialism and the Quranic view of Allameh Tabataba’i were significantly different in the possibility of meaning achievement, the ways of acquiring meaning, and whether to find or construct meaning (epistemology), the purposefulness of the world and the existence of the resurrection (cosmology), and human purpose in the world, the pre-birth essence, existential anxiety, and the existence of the soul and the inherent value of human (anthropology). These fundamental differences can be attributed to the human- and God-centered perspectives in atheistic existentialism and the Quranic view of Allameh Tabataba’i, respectively.
Seyyed Behrooz Hashemi Tonekaboni, Mohammad Hossein Zarghami, Davoud Nodehi,
Volume 23, Issue 91 (11-2024)
Abstract
Aim: The success and failure of marriage plays a fundamental role in well-being of society and individuals. Therefore, it is highly desirable to have a method to evaluate and predict the future of a marriage. As such, the aim of the present study is to validate Gottman's (2012) “success and failure in marriage questionnaires”. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study and the research design used a descriptive-correlation and test validation. Modern method of multivariate item-response theory was used for data analysis. The questionnaires used in this research were for validation, criticism, contempt, defensiveness, stonewalling, and attitude about Gottman’s past (1401). Results: In this study, the best model for factor analysis was determined to be the item-response multivariate factor analysis method and with the aid of this model, two dimensions were reported for the Gottman questionnaires. Also, the items factor loadings, the parameters of the Item-response theory and the analysis of the Items were reported. Conclusion: At the end, two dimensions of "fight mode" and "positive and negative emotions towards marriage and spouse" were identified for these questionnaires. Data analysis showed that Gottman's questionnaires have good validity in Iranian families and can be used in clinical, research and organizational environments and it is suitable to assess Iranian families. Also, the data in this research showed that Gottman's theory has good empirical support, regardless of the cultural context
Miss Prshang Bahramyan,
Volume 23, Issue 92 (2-2025)
Abstract
Aim: The purpose of this research was to determine the effectiveness of meaning therapy approach on life expectancy. Methods: This research determined the effect size of the meaning therapy approach by using the meta-analysis technique and by integrating the results of different research. The statistical population included all the articles in the field of the effectiveness of the meaning therapy approach on life expectancy, which were 15, and a total of 12 methodologically acceptable studies were selected and meta-analysis was performed on them. The sources of data search included the scientific information database, the Noor specialized journals database, the Iran Journals Information Bank, and the comprehensive humanities portal. Data analysis and effect size calculation were done using CMA3 software and g-index. Findings: The results of this meta-analysis showed that the effect of meaning therapy approach on life expectancy is (1.76) (P<0.001), which is evaluated as a large effect size according to Cohen's table. Conclusion: It seems that the meaning therapy approach can be used as a suitable method to improve life expectancy in medical and educational centers.
Ata Yavari, Seyed Bashir Hosseini,
Volume 23, Issue 92 (2-2025)
Abstract
Aim: Religion, and, in general, culture are among the most important components of national identity worldwide. Islam is considered one of the primary criteria for the national identity of Iranians. Therefore, strengthening national identity is somewhat linked to reinforcing religious foundations. Among these religious foundations, beliefs serve as the underlying base, and within the principles of belief, monotheism is regarded as the most important element. This article aims to identify the requirements and methods for teaching monotheism to adolescents through edutainment and television programs to enhance their national identity. Methods: Part of the research related to the foundational issues was conducted using documentary and library methods, while the upper-level research, due to a lack of library resources and the novelty of the concept of edutainment in our academic literature, utilized in-depth interviews with experts and specialists. In-depth and targeted interviews were conducted with specialized experts. After conducting the interviews and going through the stages of recording and documentation, the desired data was obtained Findings: In our religious and national culture, numerous uses have been made of this strategy. Since the concept of monotheism is the highest element among Islamic teachings and exists like a soul within the body of all Islamic regulations, it is essential to avoid oversimplifying its education. Shallowing this concept is harmful, and care must be taken to preserve it. Balancing entertainment and education, as well as accurately and correctly understanding today's youth, are also essential requirements in this matter.
Zahra Zahra, Maryam Fatehizade, Faramarz Asanjarani,
Volume 23, Issue 92 (2-2025)
Abstract
Aim: This research was done with the aim of revealing the concerns of unmarried girls before marriage. Methods: The phenomenological method was used to conduct this research. For this purpose, a semi-structured interview was conducted with fifteen 20–30 year-old single girls on the verge of marriage who reported having conflicts with their parents about marriage. The data was analyzed using content analysis, based on the Claysey analysis method. Findings: In this study, 2 main themes and 20 sub-themes were extracted, which include: a). parents' perceived concerns (with 6 sub-themes); and b). girls' concerns (with 14 sub-themes). The results of the analysis showed that the perceived concerns of parents in the field of marriage include: parents' belief that youngsters seek excitement, fear of the girl getting older, fear of the girl being helpless and alone, wrong selection by the daughter, and lack of readiness and maturity, and unfamiliarity with the boy dating. The worries of single girls on the verge of marriage include: compatibility with the husband's family, problems after marriage, fear of marriage, difficulty in compatibility with the future spouse, worry about the future, feeling of being limited in marriage, lack of progress after marriage, prediction of dissatisfaction after marriage, moving away from family, fear of future spouse's possible betrayal, lack of another date in the future, excessive negligence by parents in marriage and the effect of negative characteristics of the girl in marriage and marriage with an ideal person. Conclusion: It seems that girls on the verge of marriage suffer from a fear and worry about marriage and its related issues, which brings annoying consequences such as delay in marriage, therefore changes in the organization of attitudinal-cognitive and behavioral patterns it is needed.
Dr Zahra Sadat Pour Seyyed Aghaei,
Volume 23, Issue 92 (2-2025)
Abstract
Aim: The present study was conducted with the aim of formulating a model of marital distress based on communication patterns and attachment styles with the mediating role of resilience in homemaker women. Methods: The present research had an applied objective and utilized a descriptive correlational method with a path analysis design for data collection. The statistical population of this study consisted of all homemaker women in the Narges Akbatan Community Group in Tehran during the first three months of the year 1401 (Solar Hijri calendar), from which 384 individuals were selected as the sample group, using convenience sampling. The research instruments included the Marital Distress Questionnaire, Communication Patterns Questionnaire, Attachment Styles Questionnaire, and Resilience Scale. Finally, the data were analyzed using the linear regression method within the path analysis framework, utilizing SPSS24 and AMOS23 software for statistical analysis. Findings: The results showed that communication patterns, secure and anxious attachment styles have a direct relationship with marital distress in homemaker women (p < 0.01). Moreover, resilience was able to mediate the relationship between communication patterns and marital distress, as well as the relationship between secure and avoidant attachment styles and marital distress in homemaker women (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The findings of this research indicate that in order to reduce marital distress in homemaker women, identifying couples' communication styles and attempting to change unhealthy communication patterns, through resilience-based training, counseling, and other interventions, can be effective.
Saleh Salehi, Fahimeh Fadakar Davarani,
Volume 23, Issue 92 (2-2025)
Abstract
Aim: This research was conducted to investigate the effect of emotion-focused approach training on improving interpersonal sensitivity in couples on the verge of divorce. Methods: The research method was quantitative and semi-experimental (pre-test-post-test design, with control group). The statistical population of the present study includes couples on the verge of divorce in Tehran province, regions 11 and 12, who are between the ages of 25 and 35 years old and have been selected voluntarily and based on the inclusion criteria for the study. The sample size of the study was 20 couples on the verge of divorce, who were selected by random sampling from couples on the verge of divorce who had referred to legal centers and counseling centers in Tehran for legal matters. The data collection tool was the interpersonal sensitivity questionnaire, and to test the research hypotheses, multivariate analysis of covariance was used with the assumptions (homogeneity of regression coefficients, linearity of the relationship between variables, normal distribution of the studied characteristic, homogeneity of variances). Findings: The results of the study indicate that the dimensions of interpersonal sensitivity (interpersonal awareness, need for approval, separation anxiety, shyness, and low self-esteem) in couples on the verge of divorce who received emotion-focused approach training were lower than those in couples who did not receive this training. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the emotion-focused approach training program had a significant effect on improving interpersonal sensitivity in couples on the verge of divorce and could be considered as an effective training program by psychologists and counselors.
Helia Behrouznia, Keyvan Salehi, Yaser Madani, Somayeh Shahmoradi,
Volume 24, Issue 93 (3-2025)
Abstract
Aim: Single-session therapy is a method designed to address the client's issues in the shortest possible time and emphasizes efficiency and maximum use of time. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of single-session therapy on marital intimacy, Methods: This research employed a mixed-methods explanatory design. The statistical population included all couples who visited to the Behzist Clinic in Tehran in 2023 with marital problems with marital problems. A total of 30 couples were selected through convenience sampling and assigned to experimental and control groups. In the quantitative phase, the effect of this intervention was assessed using a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with a control group, and using and the Walker and Thompson Marital Intimacy Scale (1983). In the qualitative phase, data from semi-structured interviews were collected with the same participants from the experimental group and analyzed by descriptive phenomenology method following the Colaizzi method. Findings: The quantitative results indicated that single-session therapy significantly improves marital intimacy (P ≤ 0.05). The qualitative findings also revealed improvements in marital intimacy, aligning with the subscales and questions of the Marital Intimacy Scale and supporting the quantitative results. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that single-session therapy can be used as a practical, short-term, and effective approach to improve marital intimacy, and its results can be useful for therapists and future researchers and encourage couples to use this method to enhance intimacy in their marital life.
Elahe Pakseresht, Kosar Dehdast,
Volume 24, Issue 93 (3-2025)
Abstract
Aim: In response to the growing need for contextualized criteria for spouse selection in Iranian society, this study explores the lived experiences of young women regarding such criteria, based on the Sahmgozari (participatory contribution) approach rooted in Islamic ontology. Methods: Using a phenomenological approach, purposeful sampling was conducted with 16 married young women who exhibited key indicators of the Sahmgozari lifestyle—such as feelings of tranquility and personal development, agency, and formative relationships. Semi-structured interviews were carried out and continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were then coded and analyzed. Findings: The analysis yielded three main pre-marital criteria for achieving the “desired self as a contributor in marital life.” The first criterion was development-oriented and tranquility-promoting attitudes in spouses; the second was awareness and preparedness regarding factors of similarity and difference; and the third was awareness of personal growth and maturity trajectories. Conclusion: Spouse selection criteria based on the Sahmgozari approach can broaden young women’s perspectives on marriage and support them in making rational and meaningful choices.
Sadegh Kasir, Abbas Amanelahi, Gholamreza Rajabi, Zabihollah Abbaspoor,
Volume 24, Issue 93 (3-2025)
Abstract
crisis with psychological, familial, social, and cultural repercussions. This study aimed to explore and explain the consequences of infertility in infertile men, with a specific focus on their sexual performance. Methods: This qualitative research employed a grounded theory approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 infertile men who sought treatment for infertility during 2023, using purposive sampling. The data were analyzed based on Strauss and Corbin’s (1998) grounded theory methodology through open, axial, and selective coding. Findings: Data analysis resulted in 25 open codes and four main categories, which were organized into two core themes: individual consequences and couple-related consequences. The couple-related consequences included emotional-relational distress caused by childlessness and a sense of helplessness in managing sexual conflicts within the relationship. Individual consequences involved sexual difficulties stemming from childlessness and emotional distress related to sexual dissatisfaction. Conclusion: The findings highlight that infertility negatively affects the sexual performance of infertile men, leading to issues such as reduced sexual desire, premature ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction. A decline in the quality and frequency of sexual activity was also observed. These challenges contributed to sexual dissatisfaction and emotional distress among participants. The study suggests that infertile individuals and couples may benefit from referrals to specialists in sexual health and couple therapy
Maryam Sayad Shirazi, Naemeh Nouri,
Volume 24, Issue 93 (3-2025)
Abstract
Aim: Marriage, as a key social institution, is increasingly confronted by the challenges of modern life, underscoring the importance of premarital counseling. This study seeks to examine existing gaps in premarital counseling from the perspectives of experts, identify its shortcomings, and propose strategies to enhance the quality and effectiveness of these services. Methods: This qualitative, exploratory research utilized thematic analysis. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 participants (10 women and 5 men) and continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Thematic analysis was applied to interpret the data. Results: Following the analysis, meaningful statements were categorized into 120 basic themes, 5 organizing themes, and 16 overarching themes. The five organizing themes included: (1) essential components of premarital counseling, (2) enabling contexts for its development, (3) current challenges and deficiencies, (4) necessary strategies and interventions, and (5) the outcomes of premarital counseling. Conclusion: The findings suggest that enhancing the effectiveness of premarital counseling in Iran requires adapting validated international models to local cultural contexts, standardizing counseling services, engaging systemic institutions, leveraging purposeful technology, and addressing cultural and structural barriers. These improvements can help reduce divorce rates and foster more stable and healthy marital relationships in society.
Phd Candidate in Counseling Omid Mohammadi, Ph.d. of Counseling Masoumeh Asmaeili, Ph.d. of Counseling Kumars Farahbakhsh,
Volume 24, Issue 94 (8-2025)
Abstract
Abstract (The article is taken from a PhD thesis)
Objective: The growth and development of counselors is a continuous and lifelong process. Therefore, the aim of this research was to elucidate the growth and development process of family counselors.
Method: This qualitative study employed a qualitative meta-analysis approach. The population under study consisted of Persian and English articles in the field of growth and development of family counselors. In this research, 107 qualitative articles in Persian and English were reviewed, out of which 18 articles were identified as fully relevant. The relevant articles were selected through extensive searches in databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, SID, NoorMagz, and Magiran. Data analysis was conducted using a systematic review method and the inductive thematic analysis process based on the Thomas and Harden method, which included three stages: open coding, organizing codes into descriptive themes, and finally creating analytical concepts.
Findings: The thematic analysis of the qualitative studies led to the identification of 4 main themes, 13 subcategories, and 230 sub-subcategories. The main themes included "Initiation and Orientation; Activity and Exploration; Transition and Follow-up; Integration and Synergy." The subcategories included: "Non-professional Assistance; Beginner Student and Self-Doubt; Understanding Philosophy and Enhancing Professional Knowledge; Basic Level Performance; Entering the Internship Path and Receiving Supervision; Labeling Oneself as a Professional Specialist; Novice Professional Performance; Contextual Understanding of the Professional Community; Experienced Professional Performance; Deepening Personal and Professional Reflection; Integration of Personal and Professional Self; Self-Transcendence and Self-Enhancement; Mission-Centricity."
Conclusion: The findings indicated that a sense of responsibility and self-confidence during training helps counselors find their unique voice in the profession and achieve integration between their personal and professional selves.
Jamshid Jarareh, Mohammad Hossein Babazadeh,
Volume 24, Issue 94 (8-2025)
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of defense management strategies based on Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) in reducing anxiety and depression among students. The research design was quasi-experimental, utilizing a pre-test and post-test approach with a control group. The statistical population consisted of all students enrolled at Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University in Tehran during the academic year 2023-2024. The sample comprised 14 participants, selected through convenience sampling and through an initial clinical interview, who were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=7) and a control group (n=7). Participants completed the Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories before and after the experimental interventions. The experimental group participated in six sessions of defense management strategies based on ISTDP, while the control group received no specific intervention. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The findings indicated that defense management strategies based on ISTDP significantly reduced anxiety and depression among the students (p < 0.05). These results suggest that employing defense management strategies based on ISTDP can be effective in alleviating anxiety and depression in students. It is recommended that these strategies be utilized to help students achieve a better self-understanding, thereby reducing their anxiety and depression.
Mrs Motahareh Norouzi, Dr Mohammad Sajjad Seydi, Dr Alireza Rashidi,
Volume 24, Issue 94 (8-2025)
Abstract
Empty nest syndrome is a type of feeling of sadness and loneliness that parents or caretakers may experience after their children leave home for the first time. In order to cope with these feelings and the challenges that arise for parents involved in the empty nest syndrome, it is necessary to identify coping strategies with high psychological well-being conditions. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating coping strategies of individuals involved in empty nest syndrome with high psychological well-being conditions. The research method was qualitative based on Phenomenology. The study population consisted of parents dealing with empty nest syndrome in Islam Abad Gharb city in 1402. In the first stage, 137 individuals responded to the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (Dahashiri et al., 1392) using convenience sampling, of which 23 individuals scored above one standard deviation higher than the mean (78.66). Then, through purposive sampling and also based on entry and saturation criteria, 13 individuals were selected. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the Strauss and Corbin method (1990) in open, axial, and selective coding. The analysis of participants' experiences in exploring coping strategies led to the identification of 251 open codes and 39 axial codes, and ultimately three selective codes (individual, family, and social coping strategies). The results indicated that the utilization of effective coping strategies identified by parents dealing with empty nest syndrome with high psychological well-being will help them reduce symptoms of the empty nest syndrome and successfully transition through it.
Ms. Fatemeh Bayat, Dr. Abolfazl Hatami Varzaneh, Ms. Fatemeh Jahanbakhshi,
Volume 24, Issue 94 (8-2025)
Abstract
Aim: In some marital relationships, despite maintaining the structural stability of the family institution, the level of emotional and psychological satisfaction of the spouses remains minimal. This study examines the factors influencing women's persistence in stable yet dissatisfying marriages.Method: The present study employed a qualitative research design using a conventional content analysis approach. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 13 women who had remained in their marriages for at least 20 years but were dissatisfied with their marital lives.Findings: The content analysis revealed that economic factors, children, family, cultural and social beliefs, individual personality traits, and spouse-related factors were the primary reasons for the continuation of these marriages. Financial dependence, concerns about the future of children, social pressures, lack of essential skills for independence, and positive behavioral changes in the spouse were among the key factors contributing to women's persistence in such conditions.Conclusion: The findings indicate that these factors interact in a complex manner to sustain marriages. Each factor is directly or indirectly interconnected with others, reinforcing their mutual influence. Therefore, any disruption or inadequate management of these domains (such as reduced financial support, lack of trust in children, or increased social pressures) can severely threaten marital stability, potentially leading to deeper crises or even divorce. Consequently, a comprehensive and simultaneous management approach to these factors is essential for maintaining stable marriages.
