Exploring the Lived Experiences of Iranian Couples Regarding Marital Conflicts: A Qualitative Study

Document Type : Qualitative

Authors

1 Ph.D. Candidate of Counseling, Department of Counseling, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.

2 Counseling Department, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Shahid Chamran University, Ahvaz, Iran

3 Associate Professor, Department of counseling, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

4 Professor, Department of Counseling, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

10.22034/fcp.2026.141076.2226

Abstract

Background: Marital conflicts can threaten the foundation of the family and jeopardize the stability of spousal relationships. Understanding these conflicts within the cultural context of Iran is essential for their prevention and management. Objective: This study employed a qualitative methodology with a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of Iranian couples regarding marital conflicts and to identify common domains of disagreement. Method: The research was conducted in 2023, and participants were recruited from across Iran through purposive sampling via online platforms. Recruitment continued until theoretical saturation was achieved, which occurred after conducting interviews with 41 individuals. Inclusion criteria included having direct experience of marital conflicts, willingness to participate, and the ability to articulate their experiences clearly, while exclusion criteria included withdrawal from the study or failure to complete the interview. Data were collected through in-depth, unstructured interviews lasting between 35 to 55 minutes. The interviews focused on identifying participants' lived experiences and the common domains of marital conflict. The recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using Colaizzi’s method. Findings: The analysis identified ten primary domains of marital conflict: relationship quality (e.g., emotional connection), family and external influences (e.g., family interference), trust (e.g., infidelity and jealousy), cooperation and coordination (e.g., task management), power dynamics and autonomy (e.g., restrictions and control), serious issues (e.g., anger and threats), financial and occupational concerns, spiritual and religious matters, child-related issues, and personal hygiene and orderliness. Conclusion: The findings of this study can enhance professionals’ awareness of common marital conflicts among Iranian couples and inform the design of targeted interventions, the development of conflict assessment tools, and the production of educational content for public dissemination.

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Main Subjects

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 03 December 2024
  • Revise Date: 08 January 2025
  • Accept Date: 16 April 2025

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