Identifying Factors and Contexts Leading Couples to Mutual Divorce

Farzaneh Mardani; Shokouh  Navabinejad; Emad  Yousefi

doi:10.61838/kman.aftj.5.1.9

Authors

Farzaneh Mardani Ph.D student of counseling department, Qeshm branch, Islamic Azad University, Qeshm, Iran

Shokouh Navabinejad * Department of Psychology and Counseling, KMAN Research Institute, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada (Professor Emeritus, Department of Counseling, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran) sh.navabinejad@kmanresce.ca

Emad Yousefi Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Qeshm Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qeshm, Iran

https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.aftj.5.1.9

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the current research was to identify the factors and contexts leading couples to mutual divorce.

Method: This study was qualitative, utilizing descriptive phenomenology. The population consisted of couples seeking mutual divorce at counseling centers in Tehran. Among these, interviews with couples were conducted through purposive sampling until theoretical saturation was achieved. Qualitative data were collected using descriptive phenomenology and semi-structured interviews. Then, data analysis was performed using content analysis.

Findings: The results of the content analysis of the data collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews showed that the contexts leading to mutual divorce could be categorized into eight classes: 1) extramarital relationships, 2) domestic violence, 3) childlessness, 4) conflicts, contradictions, and differences, 5) criminality, 6) addiction, 7) age, and 8) economic status.

Conclusion: The results indicated that the factors leading to mutual divorce could be classified into two categories: personal factors and interpersonal or non-personal factors.