Journal of Qualitative Research in Health Sciences
Journal of Qualitative Research in Health Sciences

Factors Influencing Relationship Disengagement in Married Couples: A Qualitative Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Faezeh Salayani 1
Mohammad Javad Asghari Ebrahimabad 2
Mohammad Ali Besharat 3
Behrooz Mahram 4
Sakineh Soltani Kouhbanani 5

1 Faculty of Education and Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

2 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

3 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

4 Department of Curriculum Studies and Instruction, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

5 Department of Education and Counseling Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

10.34172/jqr.2024.12
Abstract
Background: Relationship disengagement is one of the most common reasons reported by couples when explaining the distress and dissolution of the marriage. The present study aimed to investigate the factors affecting relationship disengagement in Iranian couples.
Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using the conventional content analysis approach. The participants were 24 Iranian married couples (in Mashhad) who were selected using non-random and purposive sampling. The data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with the couples and the interviews continued until data saturation. The collected were analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman’s qualitative content analysis method.
Results: Data analysis revealed three themes (each with some categories): (1) Interpersonal factors (problems related to the family of origin, conflict in couple interactions, distancing behaviors, and ineffective spouse selection), (2) individual-personality factors (emotional instability and character traits), and (3) socioeconomic factors (financial and vocational issues and perceived fairness and inequality).
Conclusion: The findings indicated that marital relationship disengagement leads to emotional apathy and dissolution of marital relationships. Couples therapy approaches should target the causes of relationship disengagement to increase the quality of couples’ relationships and prevent divorce. The insights from this study can be used for formulating treatment and preventive approaches to prevent couple relationship disengagement.

Keywords

Couples
Disaffection
Relationship disengagement
Qualitative study
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Journal of Qualitative Research in Health Sciences
Volume 13, Issue 2
Spring 2024
Pages 80-89

  • Receive Date 25 June 2023
  • Revise Date 21 January 2024
  • Accept Date 27 January 2024

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