Iranian women's perception of marital dissatisfaction formation: an explanatory qualitative study

Iranian women's perception of marital dissatisfaction formation: an explanatory qualitative study | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Iranian women's perception of marital dissatisfaction formation: an explanatory qualitative study Saiedeh sadat Hajimirzaie, Narjes Bahri, Tahereh Parsajam, Fatemeh Razavinia, and 3 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6295417/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background and purpose: Marital satisfaction is one of the important aspects of preserving family life. Today, due to social developments at the global level, the family system has weakened and many marriages lead to divorce or failed marital relationships. Therefore, considering the undeniable importance of marital satisfaction in the health of couples and children and the increase in the number of divorces in society; we decided to explain Iranian women's perception of marital dissatisfaction formation. Methods: This exploratory qualitative study involved in-depth interviews with 15 married women in Tehran, Iran, in 2024. All participants were in long-term relationships with their husbands. Data were analyzed using conventional content and thematic analysis using MAXQDA 10 software to identify key themes from the women’s experiences. To ensure the rigor of the study, the Guba and Lincoln criteria, including credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability, were applied. Results : 114 codes and five themes were extracted. Five main themes include: incorrect criteria for choosing a spouse, Problems caused by beliefs and ideas and cultural issues, personality and individual problems, weakness or lack of life skills, and problems caused by social and economic issues. Conclusion: This study identifies five key issues driving marital dissatisfaction among Iranian women. These issues are entrenched in Iran’s patriarchal and collectivist culture, which limits women’s agency, enforces societal pressure to maintain unhappy marriages, and perpetuates economic dependency. Holistic efforts (combining policy changes, community awareness, and empowerment programs) could reduce dissatisfaction and divorce rates, fostering healthier family dynamics and societal resilience. Divorce Marital satisfaction Content analysis Women Iran Introduction The family is a social system with a complex structure that gives its members a sense of security and peace. Additionally, it has been the most stable and effective means of preserving cultural characteristics and the factor of its transmission to the next generations [ 1 ]. Marital satisfaction is one of the important aspects of preserving family life and having children, which is defined as the compatibility of couples' behaviors with each other and understanding, empathy, and love [ 2 ]. Marital satisfaction is an individual experience in marriage that people evaluate according to the level of happiness in married life and it depends on expectations, desires, quality of marital interactions and the individual's well-being [ 3 , 4 ]. Today, due to social developments in the world, the family system has faced changes and the biological, social and emotional functions of the family have been exposed to damage, which leads to a decrease in marital satisfaction. The gradual decrease in satisfaction first leads to psychological exhaustion, then social exhaustion, and finally to divorce [ 5 ]. Divorce has significant effects on the growth of the population and the transformation of the family structure; In addition to the statistics of births and deaths, the civil registration organization also records divorces and marriages of the current year [ 6 ]. If a society goes towards an increase in divorce, it will be on the verge of a crisis; Therefore, society should be thinking about reducing the number of divorces and this can only be done with careful and scientific planning and identifying the factors that cause differences in families [ 7 ]. Regardless of the marriages that lead to divorce, there are also many unsuccessful marriages where spouses do not divorce for many reasons; Therefore, paying attention to marital satisfaction is of undeniable importance [ 8 ]. Understanding the causes of marital dissatisfaction helps policymakers and family health planners to make policies or formulate guidelines to inform couples before marriage and even at a young age to prevent the problem of divorce and to improve counseling for couples [ 9 ]. Qualitative studies are used to answer the discovery of people's experiences and perceptions in different fields, and their results can be used for planning and policy making [ 10 ]. On the other hand, in a qualitative study, the researcher does not seek to prove the hypotheses, but wants to understand what and how the behavior of the studied people is, so that he can achieve the appropriate interpretation. These studies lead to the emergence of deep information that can clarify various dimensions of social phenomena [ 11 ]. According to the purpose of this study, content analysis seems to be the best approach in data analysis. Considering that marital satisfaction plays a significant role in the health of couples and children, and the phenomenon of divorce has extensive personal and social effects, and that qualitative studies can produce valuable results related to women's deep experiences and feelings [ 12 ]. Therefore, this study was conducted with a qualitative study to explain Iranian women's perception of marital dissatisfaction formation. Methods Study design: This qualitative exploratory study utilized data collected from in-depth, open-ended interviews with 15 married women. This study was conducted in Tehran City, Iran in 2024, and considering the large population of Tehran metropolis and the cultural diversity in its population, the data obtained from it can almost be representative of other regions of the country. The methodology of content analysis in qualitative research deals with the study of the description of views and the explanation of experiences based on culture and context [13]. Study setting and participants The participants were 15 Iranian married women with a history of marriage of at least 1 year of cohabitation, without a history of remarriage in themselves or their spouse. They were selected from women who had been referred to counseling offices in Tehran due to marital problems. Purposive sampling was conducted for recruitment of participants. To identify women who were dissatisfied with their married life, they completed the Hudson Marital Satisfaction Index. The scores higher than 70 were considered marital problems Data collection In-depth, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted for data collection. The interviews were arranged in the most comfortable place for the participants and lasted between 45 and 60 min. An interview guide (Appendix A) was used to avoid wasting time and distraction inspired by the approach of Braun and Clarke [14]. The questions were designed to cover the objectives of the research, and when necessary, to make the answers clearer and to prevent the researcher from overthinking, we used probing questions. Notes were taken during the interview. Written informed consent was obtained before each interview. All interviews were conducted between April and December 2023. The demographic information of the women (age and duration of marriage) was recorded and a code was given to each interview. Data analysis Qualitative data were analyzed using the eight-step strategy proposed by Graneheim and Lundman [15]. The data analysis started at the first time of the first interview and in parallel with the interviews (simultaneous analysis). The recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim immediately after every interview or at the first opportunity. The records were listened to several times and compared with handwritten notes and notes were added to get a general understanding of the text. The first author conducted a thematic analysis of the content of the in-depth interviews using MAXQDA version 10 software. The thematic analysis allowed for the exploration of evolving themes within the data and facilitated the synthesis of overarching themes, themes, and subthemes. The content analysis of the interviews revealed 114 codes, five themes, and 30 subthemes, as shown in Table 2. Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of data is important in qualitative research and is necessary to conduct proper qualitative research. Four criteria of credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability were used to evaluate the accuracy of qualitative data developed by Guba and Lincoln [16]. To make sure of the correct interpretation of the interviewees' words, the data obtained from the initial review was checked with the participants. The researcher was involved in the study continuously for a long time, and the interviews were read repeatedly, which helped the researchers to develop the study and therefore more real and increased the acceptability of the results. On the other hand, to increase acceptability, additional comments from colleagues were regularly used. It be tried to cover a wide range of participants in terms of age, occupation, and different levels of education to increase the transferability of the findings for evaluation and judgment by others. Ethical considerations A written informed consent was completed by all participants in the study, and they were assured that their information would remain confidential and their anonymity would be maintained in the research. All data, audiotapes, and notes were assigned a numerical code instead of the authors’ identification. The location and time of the interview were arranged at the participant’s discretion. Participants were assured that their voices would be deleted after the analysis and writing of the research were completed. Results The average age of the women was 35.8 years (ranging from 23 to 44 years), while their husbands had an average age of 39.86 years (ranging from 30 to 51 years). 54% of the participants were housewives, and 60% boasted university degrees, highlighting the educational foundation of the group. Additionally, 67% of spouses held a bachelor's degree or higher, most working as employees or laborers (54%). A small percentage were self-employed (33%), while only 13% were unemployed. The couples had an average marriage duration of 12.73 years, illustrating stability and commitment. Notably, a significant 67% of couples met through traditional means. Furthermore, nearly all of the women (80%) had children. A total of 702 initial codes were extracted. After removing identical codes, this number was reduced to 242 codes. In the next step, similar codes were merged and 114 codes were extracted. Finally, by emerging the subthemes, 5 main themes emerged, which are presented along with the subthemes in Table 2. Table 2: The main themes and sub-themes extracted from Iranian women's perception of marital dissatisfaction formation. Themes Subthemes Incorrect criteria for choosing a spouse Inadequate acquaintance before marriage Choosing a husband based on emotions Unreal concept of marriage Problems caused by beliefs and ideas and cultural issues Marital infidelity Involvement of the husband's family in the marital life The role of false beliefs in marital problems/ solving marital problems in the wrong way deception in marriage Not receiving or insufficient counseling services to solve marital problems Continuing the relationship despite not being satisfied with the life together due to cultural issues Personality and individual problems Personality problems of couples Emotional or mental disorders of couples Irresponsibility of the husband Restricting the wife in social and economic activities Negative roles of incompatible parents in their marital life Exposure to violence Husband's addiction life skills weaknesses Not having enough information and skills to face new life conditions The negative effect of having a child on couples' relationships Negative effects of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum challenges on couples' relationships Husband irresponsibility The impact of social media on marital life Not having skills to maintain a romantic relationship after marriage Lack of familiarity of couples with life skills Negative effects of sexual problems on romantic relationship different views of couples towards important life issues Continuity the relationship despite marital dissatisfying and dissolving problem Continuing the relationship despite marital dissatisfying due to the dominance of emotions over reasonability Problems caused by social and economic issues Negative impact of economic issues on marriage Negative impact of a man's occupation on marital life Continuity of the relationship despite marital dissatisfying due to the lack of social, economic, and legal support for the woman The main themes represent the main themes of the study which have been repeated many times in this study regarding the formation of marital dissatisfaction in Iranian women and are explained below: Theme 1. Incorrect criteria for choosing spouse Many women were unhappy that they did not know their husband and his family properly before marriage. There were many reasons for dissatisfaction with lack of recognition: 1.1. Inadequate acquaintance before marriage One of the most important reasons mentioned by most of the participants was the lack of getting to know each other before marriage. Most of them had met each other traditionally and mentioned not knowing their spouses due to cultural restrictions. According to Islam, a girl and a boy can get to know each other before marriage under the supervision of their parents and observing Islamic limits. However, from the point of view of traditional families, dating before marriage is considered as a positive answer of the girl and should end in marriage. For this reason, girls are under stress and even in cases where they notice a lack of understanding, they continue the relationship due to the fear of dishonor. In the present study, the feeling of discomfort and regret of not knowing the spouse before marriage was a common experience that was expressed by most of the participants: "We got married in a traditional way. Like now, there were not so many virtual networks and mobile phones, etc., even though our marriage was 10 years ago, but I wish we could get to know each other more and talk more. Now we are together so much. They say that it has a good effect on their knowledge. I did not know many things about him and his family." (Participant #6, 36 years old, 10 years of marriage) 1.2. Choosing a husband based on emotions Overcoming emotions over reason during dating before marriage, especially in marriages that happen after friendship; Most of the participants spoke. In these cases, despite understanding the problem, the person deceives himself and suppresses his reason and says that he will change after marriage. One of the participants said: "His behavior is not like when we were friends. He used to be emotional. He cared about me. I was important to him. After we got married, he seemed to be relieved and when we went under the same roof, he was completely different. During the time we were friends, he followed me all the time. He would buy me a gift. He used all the tricks you can to get a girl. We had a fight once and I told you to break it up He was crying." (Participant No. 12, 28 years old, 5 years of marriage) 1.3. Unreal concept of marriage Girls and boys usually do not show their true selves during friendship. The boys act to look like so-called gentlemen and the girls think that this man is the one who came after her on the white horse. This was expressed by several contributors: "During our friendship, I didn't see anything bad about him. I kept saying that this man is the man of my dreams. But when you live under the same roof, everything changes. It changes color 360 degrees. At that time, it's just a joke. There is no problem or harassment. Three or four months after getting married, I realized that everything is not as good as when we were friends." (Participant #18, 36 years old, 9 years of marriage) Theme 2: Problems caused by beliefs and ideas and cultural issues Cultural beliefs are rooted in the past of societies and a large number of interviews showed the role of these false beliefs in women's dissatisfaction. 2.1. Deception in marriage In some cases, the families of boys and girls hide the truth during courtship and get to know each other before marriage and even lie to get the other party, and their excuse is that it is not an important issue [17]. One of the participants expressed his personal experience as follows: "I didn't know his financial situation was bad because they weren't honest with us. At the time of marriage, they said their son's job was construction. But they were lying." (Participant No. 19, 40 years old, 10 years of marriage) 2.2. Involvement of the husband's family in the marital life The involvement of families in the lives of couples occurs for many reasons, including emotional dependence on parents, lack of financial independence, couples' inability to manage their lives, etc. These interferences are mostly under the pretext of solving couples' problems, but not only do they not help, but also cause more confusion for couples and increase conflicts: "His family's interference is indirectly present in my life. His mother is a remote control. He doesn't understand that his mother is controlling him, just like the TV that he doesn't realize that someone is controlling it. If we talk about something today, his mother will know tomorrow." (Participant No. 12, 28 years old, 5 years of marriage) 2.3. The role of false beliefs in marital problems/ solving marital problems in the wrong way The misconception of some couples is that if we have children, our marital problems will be less. My wife loves life more and fights are less. Today, this belief has faded, but it still exists, as some participants stated: "We don't understand each other. We don't support each other. We are against each other. Our understanding of each other's words is different. It's like we don't understand each other's words. I thought everything would be fine. After 4 years of marriage, we had a child. I thought it would be good to have a baby. But the tangle of our lives became more intertwined" (Participant #17, 33 years old, 11 years of marriage) 2.4. Marital infidelity Infidelity means acting contrary to a promise and leads to a lack of trust and can happen in sexual, emotional and emotional sexual dimensions [18]. One of the participants described his personal experience as follows: "He thought he was a playmate and a playmate. I was 7 months pregnant. He kept me in the park in the heat of summer for the woman to take me home." (Participant #14, 39 years old, 20 years of marriage) 2.5. Not receiving or insufficient counseling services to solve marital problems Receiving counseling services is considered a taboo in our society and people think that only patients with severe mental problems refer to a counselor/psychologist and deprive themselves of receiving these services: "Until now, I had not thought about going to a counselor, but last night I told him that I want to go to a counselor. He said yes, it's good, go show yourself and expect worse than this in this life." (Participant No. 36, 34 years old, 14 years of marriage) 2.6. Continuing the relationship despite not being satisfied with the life together due to cultural issues Some women were forced to continue their married life due to the prevailing culture in the society: "Society's view of a divorced woman is bad. Being divorced in the office and in front of the neighbors is bad. Neighbors constantly offer concubines to these women and harass them. At work, even now that you have a husband, they're not going to let you know that you're divorced." (Participant No. 14, 39 years old, 20 years of marriage) Theme 3- personality and individual Most of the participants were upset that they did not know about their spouse's personality problems or mental disorders before marriage. 3.1. Personality problems of couples Personality is the collection of insights and beliefs of each person and his behavioral characteristics, which are relatively stable and learned. In the present study, personality problems were among the factors of marital dissatisfaction: "My husband is very pessimistic and negative. He always sees the glass as half empty. He is like that everywhere and with everyone, even with his own family. Even if someone greets him, he thinks he means it." (Participant No. 17, 33 years old, 11 years of marriage) 3.2. Emotional or mental disorders of couples Some women considered their own depression or that of their spouse as the cause of marital dissatisfaction. In some cases, despite being under observation for this problem, they talked about the lack of control of the disorder and its impact on married life: "Three years ago, we went to a counselor. The counselor said I had depression and gave me anti-depressants. I was crying and panting like a dog. I was constantly depressed and anxious." (Participant No. 18, 36 years old, 9 years of marriage) 3.3. Irresponsibility of the husband The responsibility of couples in maintaining the marital relationship is undeniable. Some women expressed their or their husband's unwillingness to accept the responsibilities of life: "I think distance and friendship are better. If we are together for a year continuously, we will get tired of each other. Even if you are with your best friend continuously, you will get tired of him and eventually you will fight. I think the same about marriage." (Participant No. 11, 30 years old, 5 years of marriage) 3.4 Restricting the wife in social and economic activities Men's unwillingness to have their wives in society was one of the reasons for women's lack of marital satisfaction and their inability to divorce. Because in order to have an independent life, women must acquire a skill and have an independent income, which was more expressed in older women: "He didn't let me study or at least go to work, while he married me at that time. Our education level was the same and we both went to high school, but after we got married, he studied, but he didn't let me study. In the end, what should we do, we have to endure." (Participant #24, 44 years old, 28 years of marriage) 3.5. Negative roles of incompatible parents in their marital life Educational problems were one of the root causes of marital disputes, which were expressed by many participants in different ways: "I didn't see intimacy in the relationship between my parents. They had a traditional marriage and my mother lived with her husband's family. They used to bother my mother and my father listened to his mother. They had many problems and even went to the point of divorce." (Participant No. 11, 30 years old, 5 years of marriage) Another participant, "I think that family education has a lot of influence. They have cultural poverty. For me, morality and love are important, but they don't understand love. They didn't see love in their childhood, and they got complex. They do not learn to love. I feel that they have been deprived of something that is so negative. Even now that he has grown up, my father-in-law does not talk to my husband. That means they can't sit together and talk like father and son." (Participant No. 7, 43 years old, 13 years of marriage) 3.6. Exposure to violence Any kind of action or behavior that leads to physical, sexual and psychological harm or deprivation and torment of women is called violence against women. One of the participants said: "My wife is verbally and physically violent. She is foul-mouthed and curses. She gets caught up in trivial things and starts fights, and no matter how much I don't answer, she walks behind me and repeats her words." (Participant #7, 43 years old, 13 years of marriage) In several cases, in order to confront their husbands, they used verbal and even physical violence: "He yells and I scream. He hits me and I hit him. I hated the karate classes I took when I was a kid." (Participant No. 12, 28 years old, 5 years of marriage ) 3.7. Husband's addiction The impact of addiction on life is such that according to paragraph 2 of the note of Article 1130 of the Civil Code, the legislator has given the woman the right to divorce despite the man's opposition, by proving her husband's addiction to drugs or alcohol through hardship and embarrassment. The participant lives with her husband despite his addiction and expressed her experience as follows: "From the beginning of my life, my husband did not consider our children and I and left us and he went to have fun with his friend. He would get drunk. He had an addiction. Now he is addicted to marijuana and he is sick." (Participant #14, 39 years old, 20 years of marriage) Theme 4: life skills weaknesses Many of the participants were upset that they and their spouses did not have enough training in life skills before marriage, and each of them expressed this issue differently. 4.1. Not having enough information and skills to face new life conditions Failure to teach problem-solving from childhood and failure to teach life skills makes boys and girls solve problems through trial and error when they go under the same roof: "We had arguments from the very beginning of our marriage, but the arguments at the beginning were mostly due to knowing each other less. In the beginning, my wife was sensitive about my hijab and kept getting stuck on me, and most of the arguments were because of this issue." (Participant number 20, 31 years old, 10 years of marriage) 4.2. The negative effect of having a child on couples' relationships After the birth of a child, the problems of couples increase due to many reasons, including increased responsibility of the couple, increase in living expenses, and lack of enough opportunities for conversation, etc.: "Our problems started after we had a baby. We had problems before my daughter was born, but after she was born, it got worse." (Participant number 23, 32 years old, 7 years of marriage) 4.3. Negative effects of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum challenges on couples' relationships Pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period is a period of woman's life that is associated with biological-psychological-social changes [19], which increases tension and marital problems if the couple is not familiar with these changes: "I had a stressful pregnancy. There was a risk of miscarriage and then a risk of premature birth. I was constantly in tension. After she was born, she kept getting strange illnesses. I also got depression after I gave birth. After giving birth, almost most of the time I have no feelings. I have sex for my husband. I play movies." (Participant No. 18, 36 years old, 9 years of marriage) 4.4. Husband irresponsibility In some families, the responsibilities of children are completely on with women, and they are constantly involved in routines related to children without having time for themselves; they feel uncomfortable and helpless: "He doesn't help me in raising children. He doesn't cooperate in housework. He doesn't take responsibility for raising children. He doesn't help as a father in general. As a father, he only earns money. He loves the child, but it doesn't help me. I feel left alone." (Participant #23, 32 years old, 7 years of marriage) 4.5. The impact of social media on marital life The role of social media and technological progress in life is like a double-edged sword. While social media has been able to increase awareness and eliminate geographical boundaries, on the other hand, due to the lack of a culture of proper use of technology, it has led to an increase in marital disputes: "Women who are on Instagram and other social media also have an impact. Men constantly compare you to them. There are many divorced and widowed women. Virtual channels are without boundaries and privacy. As a woman in my family, I was brought up in such a way that I never compared my husband with a handsome young man. I even told my husband that I love you. But men are not like that. Their wife is less like an actress Porno is completely retouched; they compare and want their women to be like them. Infidelity is also possible with a glance." (Participant #7, 43 years old, 13 years of marriage) 4.6. Not having skills to maintain a romantic relationship after marriage Most of the couples were sad that the initial excitement in their life had faded and even disappeared. They had no hope to maintain the romantic relationship and bring excitement back to the relationship: "When we were friends, this was not the case. We used to go to the cinema and cafes. Our relationship was exciting. But it seems that there is no excitement anymore. At that time, we had fun together. We talked a lot. But now it's not like that." (Participant No. 11, 30 years old, 5 years of marriage) 4.7. Lack of familiarity of couples with life skills The World Health Organization has defined life skills in such a way that life skills are a set of psycho-social skills that help us face the needs and challenges of daily life constructively and cope with them better. The couple's lack of familiarity with life skills or the lack of use of these skills in life aggravates the problems: "Social intelligence and communication skills are also very important. Unfortunately, many of us have not learned how to communicate with others. Affection and verbal communication affect our understanding of each other. We are not together and empathetic in the difficult stages of life, and we blame each other. We do and we don't cooperate, that means we haven't learned to be together." (Participant #6, 36 years old, 10 years of marriage) 4.8. Negative effects of sexual problems on romantic relationship The satisfaction of a sexual relationship is one of the most important fundamentals of a successful married life. In the present study, sexual problems were sometimes the root cause of marital disputes and sometimes the result of tension between couples: "He also has sexual problems. Maybe he doesn't have the skills. He also takes antidepressants. Maybe he doesn't want to have sex. Maybe he has erection problems because of his pills." (Participant #7, 43 years old, 13 years of marriage) 4.9. Different views of couples towards important life issues The difference in the couple's view of life can be an opportunity to experience various moments in life, but if this difference is so strong that men and women live in different worlds, it leads to tension. Two people who move towards a common and specific goal together can create an ideal life for themselves. Couples who each strive for different goals eventually drift apart: "He is forward-looking and materialistic and doesn't live in the moment, but I like to enjoy my today as much as possible. I have to use the little time, and I am constantly on the vibration of what plans we have to make the most of my time. And have fun. We have only traveled together twice, while I have gone to cafes and cinemas. We have concluded that each of us has separate lives we have fun, so it's better to live separately." (Participant No. 11, 30 years old, 5 years of marriage) 4.10. Continuity the relationship despite marital dissatisfying and dissolving problem "From the time we got married, I realized that we don't get along. The fear of dishonor made me stay with him, and I thought it would be better if we got married. He kept telling me that it was more about the families." (Participant No. 17, 33 years old, 11 years of marriage) 4.11. Continuing the relationship despite marital dissatisfying due to the dominance of emotions over reasonability In the present study, women continue to live together despite being dissatisfied with their marital relationship and having acceptable reasons for separation due to emotionality: " In the beginning, when I talked about the separation, he didn't accept. Sometimes he cried and said that I accept that the problem is mine, but you also come to my feet and answer. For a month, he was even close to him. I didn't. He said let's talk. He said let's go to the house and let's leave. We'll go soon I reconciled with him." (Participant No. 17, 33 years old, 11 years of marriage) Theme 5. Problems caused by social and economic issues One of the most important concerns of women in marriage is the problems caused by economic issues 5.1. Negative impact of economic issues on marriage Economic issues can cause other problems. For example, husbands get nervous, wife's needs are not met, etc. "My wife has a busy job. At the beginning of the marriage, everything was fine and we managed to make ends meet, but now the market changes and sanctions have made my wife nervous, and our income and expenses are not matching up" (Participant No. 18, 36 years old, 9 years of marriage). Another participant expressed the role of economic issues in marital disputes as follows: Needs were not met. "I can't believe that after living together for 10 years, my tooth hurts and I want to go to the dentist. He says, we don't have money, or we don't have a month's worth of meat in the fridge. (Participant No. 19, 40 years old, 10 years of marriage) 5.2. Negative impact of a man's occupation on marital life Occupation affects many aspects of a person's life. In this study, women were upset that their husbands' ideas and thoughts were their husbands' job, and they considered this point to be the main reason for the argument. "Well, he gets tired of his work and has many mental conflicts. His job is such that he doesn't interact with normal people. He deals with criminals and... He is constantly stressed because of his job. He deals with all kinds of people in his work, that's why his mind is constantly confused and he has become pessimistic." (Participant #7, 43 years old, 13 years of marriage). Another participant described his wife's employment situation as follows: The person who is my wife never exists: "His priority is his work. He spends 80-90% of his time at work. (Participant No. 11, 30 years old, 5 years of marriage) 5.3. Continuity of the relationship despite marital dissatisfying due to the lack of social, economic, and legal support for the woman Some women are unable to study/acquire skills/have a job due to the family's cultural or financial poverty and are worried about providing for their lives after divorce: "With this condition, I can't go to my father's house. I don't have financial support. My family is poor and I can't be a burden to them." (Participant No. 34, 44 years old, 13 years of marriage) Some participants cited the lack of legal support for divorce at the woman's request as the reason for continuing the relationship: "A woman does not have the right to divorce unless the man gives her this right in the contract, otherwise she has no right, and if the man wants to divorce her, he can divorce her, but even if the woman saw her husband while he was cheating, they say you must bring a witness. Our rules are in favor of men" (participant #7, 43 years old, married for 13 years) Discussion This study highlights the multifaceted factors that influence women’s marital dissatisfaction formation. The five themes identified _ incorrect criteria for choosing a spouse, personality and individual issues, weakness or lack of life skills, problems caused by beliefs and ideas and cultural issues, and problems caused by social and economic issues _ offer insight into how broader societal, cultural, personal, and relational factors. Participants highlighted lack of premarital familiarity and emotional impulsivity as key issues. Traditional matchmaking often restricted women’s agency, leading to mismatched expectations. This aligns with studies in collectivist cultures where arranged marriages limit spousal compatibility assessments [ 20 ]. For example, Participant #6 lamented, *“I wish we could get to know each other more”*, reflecting cultural constraints on courtship. The theme "Incorrect Criteria for Choosing a Spouse" refers to flawed decision-making processes in spouse selection, often rooted in cultural norms, emotional impulsivity, and unrealistic expectations. In the study, Iranian women identified this as a key contributor to marital dissatisfaction. Subthemes included: inadequate acquaintance before marriage, choosing based on emotions, unrealistic concepts of marriage. These factors reflect systemic issues in traditional courtship practices and societal pressures in Iran. Participants highlighted limited premarital interactions due to cultural restrictions. Traditional matchmaking often prioritizes family approval over spousal compatibility, leaving women unprepared for marital realities. Participant #6: “We got married traditionally... I wish we could talk more before marriage. I didn’t know many things about him and his family.” In collectivist societies like Iran, arranged or semi-arranged marriages limit opportunities for couples to assess compatibility [ 20 ]. Families often enforce strict boundaries during courtship to preserve honor, reducing transparency [ 6 ]. Also, emotional impulsivity, particularly in modern "love marriages," led to disillusionment. Participants described romanticized courtships where men concealed flaws to secure marriage. Participant #12: “During our friendship, he acted like a gentleman. After marriage, he changed completely.” Romantic idealism often obscures practical considerations, leading to post-marital dissatisfaction [ 21 ]. Emotional decision-making is linked to higher divorce rates in studies on marital stability [ 1 ]. Many women entered marriage with idealized expectations (e.g., "prince on a white horse"), only to face stark realities. Social media exacerbated this by promoting unattainable relationship standards. Participant #18: “During friendship, everything was perfect. After marriage, everything changed 360 degrees.” Unrealistic expectations are amplified by media portrayals of "perfect" relationships, fostering dissatisfaction [ 22 ]. This aligns with global trends where digital platforms distort marital perceptions [ 23 ]. On the other hand, families often prioritize socioeconomic status, religious alignment, or social reputation over personal compatibility. Participant #19 noted, “They lied about his job to secure the marriage.” The theme "Cultural and Belief-Related Issues" encompasses societal norms, familial traditions, and deeply ingrained beliefs that exacerbate marital dissatisfaction. In the study, Iranian women identified these issues as critical drivers of conflict, often rooted in patriarchal structures, collectivist values, and stigma. Subthemes include: marital infidelity and distrust, family interference, false beliefs about problem-solving, deception in marriage, stigma against counseling, and cultural pressure to remain married. These factors reflect the tension between traditional norms and modern marital expectations in Iran that have been confirmed by many documents as the source of women's dissatisfaction in their married life. In patriarchal societies, infidelity is often tacitly tolerated for men but stigmatized for women, perpetuating power imbalances [ 24 ]. Research links infidelity to cultural norms that prioritize male authority [ 6 ]. Involvement of in-laws in marital decisions (e.g., finances, child-rearing) eroded spousal autonomy. Extended family interference is common in collectivist cultures, where marital relationships are viewed as communal rather than private [ 20 ]. Such dynamics undermine intimacy and escalate conflicts [ 2 ]. Participants cited harmful myths, such as “having children will save the marriage,” which worsened dissatisfaction. Participant #17: “We had a child to fix our issues, but our lives became more tangled.” Misguided beliefs about marital problem-solving (e.g., relying on children or financial stability) are prevalent in cultures with limited access to relationship education [ 1 ]. Dishonesty in matchmaking reflects societal pressure to maintain family honor, even at the cost of marital transparency [ 6 ]. Also, mental health stigma in conservative societies discourages couples from accessing support, exacerbating unresolved conflicts [ 12 ]. Legal frameworks favoring men (e.g., divorce rights, child custody) perpetuate dependency and disempowerment [ 6 ]. On the other hand women lacking financial autonomy face barriers to leaving toxic marriages [ 23 ]. The theme "Personality and Individual Problems" encompasses personal traits, mental health conditions, and behavioral patterns that strain marital relationships. Subthemes identified in the study include: personality clashes (e.g., pessimism, rigidity), mental health disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety), irresponsibility of spouses, restrictions on wives’ social/economic activities, exposure to violence (verbal, physical), and husband’s addiction. These issues highlight how individual-level factors interact with cultural norms to exacerbate marital dissatisfaction. This aligns with research linking psychological disorders to marital discord [ 5 ]. In patriarchal settings, men’s dominant personalities often suppress women’s voices, deepening dissatisfaction [ 2 ]. Mental health stigma in Iran discourages seeking help, worsening marital dysfunction [ 12 ]. Studies show untreated depression in one partner increases divorce risk by 40% [ 25 ]. Gender role inequities in Iran often place domestic responsibilities solely on women, fueling resentment [ 26 ]. Such dynamics are amplified in marriages where men view earning income as their sole duty [ 23 ]. Substance abuse (e.g., alcohol, drugs) destabilized marriages, yet legal hurdles prevented women from divorcing addicts. Participant #14: “My husband is addicted to marijuana. He abandoned us for his habits.” While Iranian law permits divorce for addiction [ 27 ], women often struggle to prove it in court, trapping them in unsafe marriages [ 6 ]. The theme "Weakness in Life Skills" refers to deficits in practical, emotional, and relational competencies that hinder couples’ ability to navigate marital challenges. In the study, Iranian women identified these gaps as critical contributors to dissatisfaction, exacerbated by cultural norms and systemic barriers. In review of literature, life skills training (e.g., financial management, communication) is linked to higher marital satisfaction [ 28 ]. Effective communication is a cornerstone of marital stability and its absence predicts dissatisfaction [ 29 ]. Also, participants emphasized lack of conflict resolution skills and unrealistic romantic expectations. Social media comparisons (“Men compare you to retouched actresses”) distorted marital satisfaction, a phenomenon observed globally in digital-era relationships [ 30 ]. The absence of premarital life skills training resonates with calls for relationship education to enhance marital resilience [ 31 , 32 ]. The theme "Social and Economic Issues" highlights systemic barriers and external pressures that trap Iranian women in dissatisfying marriages. Rooted in Iran’s patriarchal legal framework, economic instability, and societal stigma, these issues limit women’s autonomy and exacerbate marital conflict. These factors intersect to perpetuate cycles of dissatisfaction, particularly in a context marked by sanctions and gender inequity. Economic stress is a global predictor of marital discord [ 23 ]. In Iran, sanctions have intensified financial strain, destabilizing households [ 6 ]. Limitations The study focused on 15 women in Tehran, a metropolitan area, which may not reflect the experiences of women in rural or other culturally distinct regions of Iran. Urban settings often have different social dynamics, access to resources, and gender norms compared to non-urban areas. Participants were recruited from counseling offices, introducing potential selection bias. Women seeking counseling may represent a subset with heightened dissatisfaction or willingness to vocalize issues, differing from those who avoid formal support. The study exclusively focused on women’s perceptions, omitting men’s viewpoints. Marital dissatisfaction is bidirectional, and excluding men limits a holistic understanding of relational dynamics. Conducted in 2024, the findings may be influenced by Iran’s evolving socio-political climate (e.g., sanctions, economic instability). Rapid societal changes could alter marital dynamics over time, affecting the study’s long-term relevance. In a patriarchal society, participants might hesitate to disclose sensitive issues (e.g., domestic violence, infidelity) due to fear of stigma or retaliation. This could lead to underreporting or socially desirable responses. Qualitative studies prioritize depth over breadth. The small, purposive sample limits statistical generalizability, though the findings offer rich insights into the studied group. Conclusion This qualitative study illuminates the multifaceted factors contributing to marital dissatisfaction among Iranian women, identifying five interconnected themes: incorrect criteria for spouse selection (e.g., emotional impulsivity, inadequate premarital familiarity), cultural and belief-related issues (e.g., family interference, stigma against counseling), personality and individual problems (e.g., mental health disorders, addiction), weaknesses in life skills (e.g., poor communication, unrealistic expectations), and social-economic challenges (e.g., financial instability, legal inequities). Rooted in Iran’s patriarchal norms and collectivist culture, these factors highlight systemic barriers such as restricted agency in spouse selection, societal pressure to uphold marriages despite dissatisfaction, and economic dependency trapping women in unfulfilling relationships. The findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive interventions, including premarital education programs to address life skills and realistic marital expectations, accessible counseling services to destigmatize mental health support, and legal reforms to enhance women’s autonomy. Addressing these issues holistically—through policy changes, community education, and empowerment initiatives—could mitigate marital dissatisfaction, reduce divorce rates, and alleviate broader social and cultural costs. By prioritizing both individual and systemic solutions, Iran can foster healthier marital dynamics and strengthen family resilience in the face of evolving societal pressures. Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate The procedures followed in this study were in accordance with principles of the Declaration of Helsinki (1964, amended most recently in 2008) of the World Medical Association. The protocol was approved by the Ethics Commission of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Technology of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (Ethical code: IR.KUMS.REC.1403.119), and the requirement for patient informed consent was waived by the Ethics Commission of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences due to the qualitative nature of the study. Consent for publication Not applicable. Availability of data and materials The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests Funding This work was supported by Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (4030278). Authors' contributions AH and SSH analyzed, interpreted the data, drafted and edited the manuscript. NB and FR conceived this study. AH, SSH, NB, FR, FG, and ZM supervised the study design, data interpretation, and edited the manuscript. AH, SSH, NB, FR, and FG operationalized the study and edited the manuscript. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript. Acknowledgments We thank all participants in this study. This study is the result of research project No. 4030278, approved by the Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran. Also, we express our gratitude to the officials of the Clinical Research Development Center, Motazedi Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran. Artificial intelligence (DeepSeek) was utilized to enhance the translation and correct grammatical errors in this manuscript. References Priyadharshini, S. and R.T. Gopalan, Marital Adjustment, Love, Personal Intimacy, personality, dyadic coping and spirituality on marital stability. 2020. Aman, J., et al., The relationship of religiosity and marital satisfaction: The role of religious commitment and practices on marital satisfaction among Pakistani respondents. Behavioral Sciences, 2019. 9 (3): p. 30. Margelisch, K., et al., Marital stability, satisfaction and well-being in old age: variability and continuity in long-term continuously married older persons. Aging & mental health, 2017. 21 (4): p. 389-398. Ahmadnia, E., A. Haseli, and A. Karamat, Therapeutic interventions conducted on improving women’s sexual satisfaction and function during reproductive ages in Iran: A systematic review. Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, 2017. 27 (153): p. 146-162. Kiecolt-Glaser, J.K., Marriage, divorce, and the immune system. American Psychologist, 2018. 73 (9): p. 1098. Nakhaee, N., et al., Reasons for seeking a divorce in Iran. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 2020. 37 (10-11): p. 2863-2870. Birnbaum, R., N. Bala, and L. Bertrand, The Rise of Self-Representation in Canada's Family Courts: The complex picture revealed in surveys of judges, lawyers and litigants. Can. B. Rev., 2012. 91 : p. 67. Masoumi, S.Z., et al., Effect of marital relationship enrichment program on marital satisfaction, marital intimacy, and sexual satisfaction of infertile couples. International journal of fertility & sterility, 2017. 11 (3): p. 197. Brown, S.L., Marriage and child well ‐being: Research and policy perspectives. Journal of Marriage and Family, 2010. 72 (5): p. 1059-1077. Mohajan, H.K., Qualitative research methodology in social sciences and related subjects. Journal of economic development, environment and people, 2018. 7 (1): p. 23-48. Davidson, L., et al., Qualitative studies of recovery: What can we learn from the person? 2005. Tavakol, Z., et al., A review of the factors associated with marital satisfaction. Galen medical journal, 2017. 6 (3): p. e641-e641. Naeem, M., et al., A step-by-step process of thematic analysis to develop a conceptual model in qualitative research. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 2023. 22 : p. 16094069231205789. Braun, V. and V. Clarke, Successful qualitative research: A practical guide for beginners. 2013. Graneheim, U.H. and B. Lundman, Qualitative content analysis in nursing research: concepts, procedures and measures to achieve trustworthiness. Nurse education today, 2004. 24 (2): p. 105-112. Guba, E.G. and Y.S. Lincoln, Guidelines and checklist for constructivist (aka fourth generation) evaluation . 2001. Ahmadnia, E., et al., Sexual compatibility and its associated factors among heterosexual couples: a systemic review. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 2023. 38 (4): p. 603-621. Ghiasi, N., et al., The interplay of attachment styles and marital infidelity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon, 2024. Hajimirzaie, S.S., et al., Evaluation of couple's sexual function after childbirth with the biopsychosocial model: A systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, 2021. 26 (6): p. 469-478. Wong, S. and R. Goodwin, Experiencing marital satisfaction across three cultures: A qualitative study. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 2009. 26 (8): p. 1011-1028. Clowater, G.B., Happily ever after in America?: sex and self-realization in marriage, 1950–1980. 2021. Ghiasi, N., et al., The interplay of attachment styles and marital infidelity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon, 2024. 10 (1). Jackson, G.L., et al., Household income and trajectories of marital satisfaction in early marriage. Journal of Marriage and Family, 2017. 79 (3): p. 690-704. Haseli, A., et al., Infidelity and its associated factors: A systematic review. The journal of sexual medicine, 2019. 16 (8): p. 1155-1169. Schoultz, E.D., Caregivers’ Experiences of Unmet Needs for Emotional Intimacy While Caring for Chronically Ill Spouses . 2020: Capella University. Yazdanpanah, O., D.J. Benjamin, and A. Rezazadeh Kalebasty, Prostate cancer in sexual minorities: epidemiology, screening and diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life. Cancers, 2023. 15 (9): p. 2654. Mohamadian, H., M. Rezaei, and J. Kordzanganeh, A comprehensive exploration of divorce factors: Insights from women, family counselors, and judges. 2024. Abreu-Afonso, J., et al., How couple’s relationship lasts over time? A model for marital satisfaction. Psychological reports, 2022. 125 (3): p. 1601-1627. Barman, J.D., Relationship Sustainability: Exploring and Evaluating the Determinants of Happy Marriages . 2024. Bouffard, S., D. Giglio, and Z. Zheng, Social media and romantic relationship: Excessive social media use leads to relationship conflicts, negative outcomes, and addiction via mediated pathways. Social Science Computer Review, 2022. 40 (6): p. 1523-1541. Burgess, R., Pentecostal Christian’s Influence On Marital Satisfaction And Longevity. 2025. Ziaei, T., et al., Comparing the effect of extended PLISSIT model and group counseling on sexual function and satisfaction of pregnant women: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Caring Sciences, 2022. 11 (1): p. 7. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Supplementary Files AppendixA.InterviewGuide.pdf Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-6295417","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":456945373,"identity":"1d501ed3-e611-4ccf-be0e-f9e6e4d69a31","order_by":0,"name":"Saiedeh sadat Hajimirzaie","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Tehran University of Medical Sciences","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Saiedeh","middleName":"sadat","lastName":"Hajimirzaie","suffix":""},{"id":456945374,"identity":"6c958c28-7c92-4b37-8cd8-7a9f0f53efd1","order_by":1,"name":"Narjes Bahri","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Gonabad University of Medical Sciences","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Narjes","middleName":"","lastName":"Bahri","suffix":""},{"id":456945375,"identity":"d2c28cc6-b728-40be-ae54-f1dd584167b9","order_by":2,"name":"Tahereh Parsajam","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Tahereh","middleName":"","lastName":"Parsajam","suffix":""},{"id":456945376,"identity":"7e472555-c85e-4e06-8c6b-89a001757900","order_by":3,"name":"Fatemeh Razavinia","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Jundishapur University of Medical Science","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Fatemeh","middleName":"","lastName":"Razavinia","suffix":""},{"id":456945377,"identity":"7cc2db37-bbea-457e-aa24-b62f2c87bce3","order_by":4,"name":"Farzaneh Golbani","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Qazvin University of Medical Sciences","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Farzaneh","middleName":"","lastName":"Golbani","suffix":""},{"id":456945378,"identity":"045bf410-f301-484e-9d88-927caeb770aa","order_by":5,"name":"Zahra Motaghi","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Shahroud University of Medical Sciences","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Zahra","middleName":"","lastName":"Motaghi","suffix":""},{"id":456945379,"identity":"7b2105d0-71de-4261-a28b-2b5269e00bc9","order_by":6,"name":"Arezoo Haseli","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAAz0lEQVRIiWNgGAWjYHACNhAhw8bewMBMkhYeNp4DpGphkEggUgv/7ANsD378seHhk3xj+LmgwoaBv707Aa8WiXMJ7Ia9bWk8bNI5xtIzzqQxSJw5uwG/NWcY2CR4Gw6DtBhI87YdZjCQyMWvRR6oRfLPn/88bJJnjH8TpcUAqEWah+0AD5sEjxlxthiCtMi2JQMDOa3MmudMGg9Bv8iBHPbmj52cfPvhzbd5Kmzk+Nt7CXifgf8DlMFhACJ5CChHAewPSFE9CkbBKBgFIwgAAEB3OaZjmduiAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC","orcid":"","institution":"Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Arezoo","middleName":"","lastName":"Haseli","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-03-24 12:38:17","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6295417/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6295417/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":104403286,"identity":"812c20e4-7fe4-4f4a-94c8-4963fd14b179","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-03-11 12:17:56","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1453523,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6295417/v1/c70aff3d-eef4-488d-9b26-58fdc1cc0d4e.pdf"},{"id":83053580,"identity":"098a1e67-4e29-4510-9b6f-3521487cef77","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-05-19 13:11:59","extension":"pdf","order_by":1,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":75898,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"AppendixA.InterviewGuide.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6295417/v1/d1040813e9b5301925ea3df3.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Iranian women's perception of marital dissatisfaction formation: an explanatory qualitative study","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe family is a social system with a complex structure that gives its members a sense of security and peace. Additionally, it has been the most stable and effective means of preserving cultural characteristics and the factor of its transmission to the next generations [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]. Marital satisfaction is one of the important aspects of preserving family life and having children, which is defined as the compatibility of couples' behaviors with each other and understanding, empathy, and love [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e]. Marital satisfaction is an individual experience in marriage that people evaluate according to the level of happiness in married life and it depends on expectations, desires, quality of marital interactions and the individual's well-being [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e]. Today, due to social developments in the world, the family system has faced changes and the biological, social and emotional functions of the family have been exposed to damage, which leads to a decrease in marital satisfaction. The gradual decrease in satisfaction first leads to psychological exhaustion, then social exhaustion, and finally to divorce [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDivorce has significant effects on the growth of the population and the transformation of the family structure; In addition to the statistics of births and deaths, the civil registration organization also records divorces and marriages of the current year [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e]. If a society goes towards an increase in divorce, it will be on the verge of a crisis; Therefore, society should be thinking about reducing the number of divorces and this can only be done with careful and scientific planning and identifying the factors that cause differences in families [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e]. Regardless of the marriages that lead to divorce, there are also many unsuccessful marriages where spouses do not divorce for many reasons; Therefore, paying attention to marital satisfaction is of undeniable importance [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding the causes of marital dissatisfaction helps policymakers and family health planners to make policies or formulate guidelines to inform couples before marriage and even at a young age to prevent the problem of divorce and to improve counseling for couples [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e]. Qualitative studies are used to answer the discovery of people's experiences and perceptions in different fields, and their results can be used for planning and policy making [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e]. On the other hand, in a qualitative study, the researcher does not seek to prove the hypotheses, but wants to understand what and how the behavior of the studied people is, so that he can achieve the appropriate interpretation. These studies lead to the emergence of deep information that can clarify various dimensions of social phenomena [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e]. According to the purpose of this study, content analysis seems to be the best approach in data analysis. Considering that marital satisfaction plays a significant role in the health of couples and children, and the phenomenon of divorce has extensive personal and social effects, and that qualitative studies can produce valuable results related to women's deep experiences and feelings [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e]. Therefore, this study was conducted with a qualitative study to explain Iranian women's perception of marital dissatisfaction formation.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methods","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStudy design:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis qualitative exploratory study utilized data collected from in-depth, open-ended interviews with 15 married women. This study was conducted in Tehran City, Iran in 2024, and considering the large population of Tehran metropolis and the cultural diversity in its population, the data obtained from it can almost be representative of other regions of the country. The methodology of content analysis in qualitative research deals with the study of the description of views and the explanation of experiences based on culture and context [13].\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStudy setting and participants\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe participants were 15 Iranian married women with a history of marriage of at least 1 year of cohabitation, without a history of remarriage in themselves or their spouse. They were selected from women who had been referred to counseling offices in Tehran due to marital problems. Purposive sampling was conducted for recruitment of participants. To identify women who were dissatisfied with their married life, they completed the Hudson Marital Satisfaction Index. The scores higher than 70 were considered marital problems\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData collection\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn-depth, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted for data collection. The interviews were arranged in the most comfortable place for the participants and lasted between 45 and 60 min. An interview guide (Appendix A) was used to avoid wasting time and distraction inspired by the approach of Braun and Clarke [14]. The questions were designed to cover the objectives of the research, and when necessary, to make the answers clearer and to prevent the researcher from overthinking, we used probing questions. Notes were taken during the interview. Written informed consent was obtained before each interview. All interviews were conducted between April and December 2023. The demographic information of the women (age and duration of marriage) was recorded and a code was given to each interview.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eData analysis\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eQualitative data were analyzed using the eight-step strategy proposed by Graneheim and Lundman [15]. The data analysis started at the first time of the first interview and in parallel with the interviews (simultaneous analysis). The recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim immediately after every interview or at the first opportunity. The records were listened to several times and compared with handwritten notes and notes were added to get a general understanding of the text. The first author conducted a thematic analysis of the content of the in-depth interviews using MAXQDA version 10 software.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe thematic analysis allowed for the exploration of evolving themes within the data and facilitated the synthesis of overarching themes, themes, and subthemes. The content analysis of the interviews revealed 114 codes, five themes, and 30 subthemes, as shown in Table 2.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnsuring the accuracy and reliability of data is important in qualitative research and is necessary to conduct proper qualitative research. Four criteria of credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability were used to evaluate the accuracy of qualitative data developed by Guba and Lincoln [16]. To make sure of the correct interpretation of the interviewees\u0026apos; words, the data obtained from the initial review was checked with the participants. The researcher was involved in the study continuously for a long time, and the interviews were read repeatedly, which helped the researchers to develop the study and therefore more real and increased the acceptability of the results. On the other hand, to increase acceptability, additional comments from colleagues were regularly used. It be tried to cover a wide range of participants in terms of age, occupation, and different levels of education to increase the transferability of the findings for evaluation and judgment by others.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthical considerations\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA written informed consent was completed by all participants in the study, and they were assured that their information would remain confidential and their anonymity would be maintained in the research. All data, audiotapes, and notes were assigned a numerical code instead of the authors\u0026rsquo; identification. The location and time of the interview were arranged at the participant\u0026rsquo;s discretion. Participants were assured that their voices would be deleted after the analysis and writing of the research were completed.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe average age of the women was 35.8 years (ranging from 23 to 44 years), while their husbands had an average age of 39.86 years (ranging from 30 to 51 years). 54% of the participants were housewives, and 60% boasted university degrees, highlighting the educational foundation of the group. Additionally, 67% of spouses held a bachelor\u0026apos;s degree or higher, most working as employees or laborers (54%). A small percentage were self-employed (33%), while only 13% were unemployed. The couples had an average marriage duration of 12.73 years, illustrating stability and commitment. Notably, a significant 67% of couples met through traditional means. Furthermore, nearly all of the women (80%) had children.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA total of 702 initial codes were extracted. After removing identical codes, this number was reduced to 242 codes. In the next step, similar codes were merged and 114 codes were extracted. Finally, by emerging the subthemes, 5 main themes emerged, which are presented along with the subthemes in Table 2. \u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 2:\u003c/strong\u003e The main themes and sub-themes extracted from Iranian women\u0026apos;s perception of marital dissatisfaction formation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"\"\u003e\n \u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThemes\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSubthemes\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIncorrect criteria for choosing a spouse\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInadequate acquaintance before marriage\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eChoosing a husband based on emotions\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUnreal concept of marriage\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"6\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eProblems caused by beliefs and ideas and cultural issues\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMarital infidelity\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInvolvement of the husband\u0026apos;s family in the marital life\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe role of false beliefs in marital problems/ solving marital problems in the wrong way\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003edeception in marriage\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNot receiving or insufficient counseling services to solve marital problems\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eContinuing the relationship despite not being satisfied with the life together due to cultural issues\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"7\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePersonality and individual problems\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePersonality problems of couples\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEmotional or mental disorders of couples\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIrresponsibility of the husband\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRestricting the wife in social and economic activities\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNegative roles of incompatible parents in their marital life\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eExposure to violence\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHusband\u0026apos;s addiction\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"11\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003elife skills weaknesses\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNot having enough information and skills to face new life conditions\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe negative effect of having a child on couples\u0026apos; relationships\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNegative effects of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum challenges on couples\u0026apos; relationships\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHusband irresponsibility\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe impact of social media on marital life\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNot having skills to maintain a romantic relationship after marriage\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLack of familiarity of couples with life skills\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNegative effects of sexual problems on romantic relationship\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003edifferent views of couples towards important life issues\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eContinuity the relationship despite marital dissatisfying and dissolving problem\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eContinuing the relationship despite marital dissatisfying due to the dominance of emotions over reasonability\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eProblems caused by social and economic issues\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNegative impact of economic issues on marriage\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNegative impact of a man\u0026apos;s occupation on marital life\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 416px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eContinuity of the relationship despite marital dissatisfying due to the lack of social, economic, and legal support for the woman\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe main themes represent the main themes of the study which have been repeated many times in this study regarding the formation of marital dissatisfaction in Iranian women and are explained below:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTheme 1. Incorrect criteria for choosing spouse\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany women were unhappy that they did not know their husband and his family properly before marriage. There were many reasons for dissatisfaction with lack of recognition:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1.1. Inadequate acquaintance before marriage\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most important reasons mentioned by most of the participants was the lack of getting to know each other before marriage. Most of them had met each other traditionally and mentioned not knowing their spouses due to cultural restrictions. According to Islam, a girl and a boy can get to know each other before marriage under the supervision of their parents and observing Islamic limits. However, from the point of view of traditional families, dating before marriage is considered as a positive answer of the girl and should end in marriage. For this reason, girls are under stress and even in cases where they notice a lack of understanding, they continue the relationship due to the fear of dishonor. In the present study, the feeling of discomfort and regret of not knowing the spouse before marriage was a common experience that was expressed by most of the participants:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;We got married in a traditional way. Like now, there were not so many virtual networks and mobile phones, etc., even though our marriage was 10 years ago, but I wish we could get to know each other more and talk more. Now we are together so much. They say that it has a good effect on their knowledge. I did not know many things about him and his family.\u0026quot; (Participant #6, 36 years old, 10 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1.2.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChoosing a husband based on emotions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOvercoming emotions over reason during dating before marriage, especially in marriages that happen after friendship; Most of the participants spoke. In these cases, despite understanding the problem, the person deceives himself and suppresses his reason and says that he will change after marriage. One of the participants said:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;His behavior is not like when we were friends. He used to be emotional. He cared about me. I was important to him. After we got married, he seemed to be relieved and when we went under the same roof, he was completely different. During the time we were friends, he followed me all the time. He would buy me a gift. He used all the tricks you can to get a girl. We had a fight once and I told you to break it up He was crying.\u0026quot; (Participant No. 12, 28 years old, 5 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1.3. Unreal concept of marriage\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGirls and boys usually do not show their true selves during friendship. The boys act to look like so-called gentlemen and the girls think that this man is the one who came after her on the white horse. This was expressed by several contributors:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;During our friendship, I didn\u0026apos;t see anything bad about him. I kept saying that this man is the man of my dreams. But when you live under the same roof, everything changes.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIt changes color 360 degrees. At that time, it\u0026apos;s just a joke. There is no problem or harassment. Three or four months after getting married, I realized that everything is not as good as when we were friends.\u0026quot; (Participant #18, 36 years old, 9 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTheme 2: Problems caused by beliefs and ideas and cultural issues\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCultural beliefs are rooted in the past of societies and a large number of interviews showed the role of these false beliefs in women\u0026apos;s dissatisfaction.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.1. Deception in marriage\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn some cases, the families of boys and girls hide the truth during courtship and get to know each other before marriage and even lie to get the other party, and their excuse is that it is not an important issue [17]. One of the participants expressed his personal experience as follows:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;I didn\u0026apos;t know his financial situation was bad because they weren\u0026apos;t honest with us. At the time of marriage, they said their son\u0026apos;s job was construction. But they were lying.\u0026quot; (Participant No. 19, 40 years old, 10 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.2. Involvement of the husband\u0026apos;s family in the marital life\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe involvement of families in the lives of couples occurs for many reasons, including emotional dependence on parents, lack of financial independence, couples\u0026apos; inability to manage their lives, etc.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese interferences are mostly under the pretext of solving couples\u0026apos; problems, but not only do they not help, but also cause more confusion for couples and increase conflicts:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;His family\u0026apos;s interference is indirectly present in my life. His mother is a remote control. He doesn\u0026apos;t understand that his mother is controlling him, just like the TV that he doesn\u0026apos;t realize that someone is controlling it. If we talk about something today, his mother will know tomorrow.\u0026quot; (Participant No. 12, 28 years old, 5 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.3. The role of false beliefs in marital problems/ solving marital problems in the wrong way\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe misconception of some couples is that if we have children, our marital problems will be less. My wife loves life more and fights are less. Today, this belief has faded, but it still exists, as some participants stated:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;We don\u0026apos;t understand each other. We don\u0026apos;t support each other. We are against each other. Our understanding of each other\u0026apos;s words is different. It\u0026apos;s like we don\u0026apos;t understand each other\u0026apos;s words. I thought everything would be fine. After 4 years of marriage, we had a child. I thought it would be good to have a baby. But the tangle of our lives became more intertwined\u0026quot; (Participant #17, 33 years old, 11 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.4. Marital infidelity\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInfidelity means acting contrary to a promise and leads to a lack of trust and can happen in sexual, emotional and emotional sexual dimensions [18]. One of the participants described his personal experience as follows:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;He thought he was a playmate and a playmate. I was 7 months pregnant. He kept me in the park in the heat of summer for the woman to take me home.\u0026quot; (Participant #14, 39 years old, 20 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.5. Not receiving or insufficient counseling services to solve marital problems\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReceiving counseling services is considered a taboo in our society and people think that only patients with severe mental problems refer to a counselor/psychologist and deprive themselves of receiving these services:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;Until now, I had not thought about going to a counselor, but last night I told him that I want to go to a counselor. He said yes, it\u0026apos;s good, go show yourself and expect worse than this in this life.\u0026quot; (Participant No. 36, 34 years old, 14 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.6. Continuing the relationship despite not being satisfied with the life together due to cultural issues\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome women were forced to continue their married life due to the prevailing culture in the society:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;Society\u0026apos;s view of a divorced woman is bad. Being divorced in the office and in front of the neighbors is bad. Neighbors constantly offer concubines to these women and harass them. At work, even now that you have a husband, they\u0026apos;re not going to let you know that you\u0026apos;re divorced.\u0026quot; (Participant No. 14, 39 years old, 20 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTheme 3-\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epersonality and individual\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost of the participants were upset that they did not know about their spouse\u0026apos;s personality problems or mental disorders before marriage.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.1. Personality problems of couples\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePersonality is the collection of insights and beliefs of each person and his behavioral characteristics, which are relatively stable and learned. In the present study, personality problems were among the factors of marital dissatisfaction:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;My husband is very pessimistic and negative. He always sees the glass as half empty. He is like that everywhere and with everyone, even with his own family. Even if someone greets him, he thinks he means it.\u0026quot; (Participant No. 17, 33 years old, 11 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.2. Emotional or mental disorders of couples\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome women considered their own depression or that of their spouse as the cause of marital dissatisfaction. In some cases, despite being under observation for this problem, they talked about the lack of control of the disorder and its impact on married life:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;Three years ago, we went to a counselor. The counselor said I had depression and gave me anti-depressants. I was crying and panting like a dog. I was constantly depressed and anxious.\u0026quot; (Participant No. 18, 36 years old, 9 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.3. Irresponsibility of the husband\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe responsibility of couples in maintaining the marital relationship is undeniable. Some women expressed their or their husband\u0026apos;s unwillingness to accept the responsibilities of life:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;I think distance and friendship are better. If we are together for a year continuously, we will get tired of each other. Even if you are with your best friend continuously, you will get tired of him and eventually you will fight. I think the same about marriage.\u0026quot; (Participant No. 11, 30 years old, 5 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.4\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRestricting the wife in social and economic activities\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMen\u0026apos;s unwillingness to have their wives in society was one of the reasons for women\u0026apos;s lack of marital satisfaction and their inability to divorce. Because in order to have an independent life, women must acquire a skill and have an independent income, which was more expressed in older women:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;He didn\u0026apos;t let me study or at least go to work, while he married me at that time. Our education level was the same and we both went to high school, but after we got married, he studied, but he didn\u0026apos;t let me study. In the end, what should we do, we have to endure.\u0026quot; (Participant #24, 44 years old, 28 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.5. Negative roles of incompatible parents in their marital life\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEducational problems were one of the root causes of marital disputes, which were expressed by many participants in different ways:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;I didn\u0026apos;t see intimacy in the relationship between my parents. They had a traditional marriage and my mother lived with her husband\u0026apos;s family. They used to bother my mother and my father listened to his mother. They had many problems and even went to the point of divorce.\u0026quot; (Participant No. 11, 30 years old, 5 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother participant, \u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;I think that family education has a lot of influence. They have cultural poverty. For me, morality and love are important, but they don\u0026apos;t understand love. They didn\u0026apos;t see love in their childhood, and they got complex. They do not learn to love. I feel that they have been deprived of something that is so negative.\u003c/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eEven now that he has grown up, my father-in-law does not talk to my husband. That means they can\u0026apos;t sit together and talk like father and son.\u0026quot; (Participant No. 7, 43 years old, 13 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.6. Exposure to violence\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAny kind of action or behavior that leads to physical, sexual and psychological harm or deprivation and torment of women is called violence against women. One of the participants said:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;My wife is verbally and physically violent. She is foul-mouthed and curses. She gets caught up in trivial things and starts fights, and no matter how much I don\u0026apos;t answer, she walks behind me and repeats her words.\u0026quot; (Participant #7, 43 years old, 13 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn several cases, in order to confront their husbands, they used verbal and even physical violence:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;He yells and I scream. He hits me and I hit him. I hated the karate classes I took when I was a kid.\u0026quot; (Participant No. 12, 28 years old, 5 years of marriage\u003c/em\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.7. Husband\u0026apos;s addiction\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe impact of addiction on life is such that according to paragraph 2 of the note of Article 1130 of the Civil Code, the legislator has given the woman the right to divorce despite the man\u0026apos;s opposition, by proving her husband\u0026apos;s addiction to drugs or alcohol through hardship and embarrassment. The participant lives with her husband despite his addiction and expressed her experience as follows:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;From the beginning of my life, my husband did not consider our children and I and left us and he went to have fun with his friend. He would get drunk. He had an addiction. Now he is addicted to marijuana and he is sick.\u0026quot; (Participant #14, 39 years old, 20 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"RTL\"\u003e \u003c/span\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTheme 4:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003elife skills weaknesses\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany of the participants were upset that they and their spouses did not have enough training in life skills before marriage, and each of them expressed this issue differently.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4.1. Not having enough information and skills to face new life conditions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFailure to teach problem-solving from childhood and failure to teach life skills makes boys and girls solve problems through trial and error when they go under the same roof:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;We had arguments from the very beginning of our marriage, but the arguments at the beginning were mostly due to knowing each other less. In the beginning, my wife was sensitive about my hijab and kept getting stuck on me, and most of the arguments were because of this issue.\u0026quot; (Participant number 20, 31 years old, 10 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4.2. The negative effect of having a child on couples\u0026apos; relationships\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the birth of a child, the problems of couples increase due to many reasons, including increased responsibility of the couple, increase in living expenses, and lack of enough opportunities for conversation, etc.:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;Our problems started after we had a baby. We had problems before my daughter was born, but after she was born, it got worse.\u0026quot; (Participant number 23, 32 years old, 7 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4.3. Negative effects of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum challenges on couples\u0026apos; relationships\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period is a period of woman\u0026apos;s life that is associated with biological-psychological-social changes [19], which increases tension and marital problems if the couple is not familiar with these changes:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;I had a stressful pregnancy. There was a risk of miscarriage and then a risk of premature birth. I was constantly in tension. After she was born, she kept getting strange illnesses. I also got depression after I gave birth. After giving birth, almost most of the time I have no feelings. I have sex for my husband. I play movies.\u0026quot; (Participant No. 18, 36 years old, 9 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4.4. Husband irresponsibility\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn some families, the responsibilities of children are completely on with women, and they are constantly involved in routines related to children without having time for themselves; they feel uncomfortable and helpless:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;He doesn\u0026apos;t help me in raising children. He doesn\u0026apos;t cooperate in housework. He doesn\u0026apos;t take responsibility for raising children. He doesn\u0026apos;t help as a father in general. As a father, he only earns money. He loves the child, but it doesn\u0026apos;t help me. I feel left alone.\u0026quot; (Participant #23, 32 years old, 7 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4.5. The impact of social media on marital life\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe role of social media and technological progress in life is like a double-edged sword. While social media has been able to increase awareness and eliminate geographical boundaries, on the other hand, due to the lack of a culture of proper use of technology, it has led to an increase in marital disputes:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;Women who are on Instagram and other social media also have an impact. Men constantly compare you to them. There are many divorced and widowed women. Virtual channels are without boundaries and privacy. As a woman in my family, I was brought up in such a way that I never compared my husband with a handsome young man. I even told my husband that I love you. But men are not like that. Their wife is less like an actress Porno is completely retouched; they compare and want their women to be like them. Infidelity is also possible with a glance.\u0026quot; (Participant #7, 43 years old, 13 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4.6. Not having skills to maintain a romantic relationship after marriage\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost of the couples were sad that the initial excitement in their life had faded and even disappeared. They had no hope to maintain the romantic relationship and bring excitement back to the relationship:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;When we were friends, this was not the case. We used to go to the cinema and cafes. Our relationship was exciting. But it seems that there is no excitement anymore. At that time, we had fun together. We talked a lot. But now it\u0026apos;s not like that.\u0026quot; (Participant No. 11, 30 years old, 5 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4.7. Lack of familiarity of couples with life skills\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe World Health Organization has defined life skills in such a way that life skills are a set of psycho-social skills that help us face the needs and challenges of daily life constructively and cope with them better. The couple\u0026apos;s lack of familiarity with life skills or the lack of use of these skills in life aggravates the problems:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;Social intelligence and communication skills are also very important. Unfortunately, many of us have not learned how to communicate with others. Affection and verbal communication affect our understanding of each other. We are not together and empathetic in the difficult stages of life, and we blame each other. We do and we don\u0026apos;t cooperate, that means we haven\u0026apos;t learned to be together.\u0026quot; (Participant #6, 36 years old, 10 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4.8. Negative effects of sexual problems on romantic relationship\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe satisfaction of a sexual relationship is one of the most important fundamentals of a successful married life. In the present study, sexual problems were sometimes the root cause of marital disputes and sometimes the result of tension between couples:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;He also has sexual problems. Maybe he doesn\u0026apos;t have the skills. He also takes antidepressants. Maybe he doesn\u0026apos;t want to have sex. Maybe he has erection problems because of his pills.\u0026quot; (Participant #7, 43 years old, 13 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4.9. Different views of couples towards important life issues\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe difference in the couple\u0026apos;s view of life can be an opportunity to experience various moments in life, but if this difference is so strong that men and women live in different worlds, it leads to tension. Two people who move towards a common and specific goal together can create an ideal life for themselves. Couples who each strive for different goals eventually drift apart:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;He is forward-looking and materialistic and doesn\u0026apos;t live in the moment, but I like to enjoy my today as much as possible. I have to use the little time, and I am constantly on the vibration of what plans we have to make the most of my time. And have fun. We have only traveled together twice, while I have gone to cafes and cinemas. We have concluded that each of us has separate lives we have fun, so it\u0026apos;s better to live separately.\u0026quot; (Participant No. 11, 30 years old, 5 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4.10. Continuity the relationship despite marital dissatisfying and dissolving problem\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;From the time we got married, I realized that we don\u0026apos;t get along. The fear of dishonor made me stay with him, and I thought it would be better if we got married. He kept telling me that it was more about the families.\u0026quot; (Participant No. 17, 33 years old, 11 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4.11. Continuing the relationship despite marital dissatisfying due to the dominance of emotions over reasonability\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the present study, women continue to live together despite being dissatisfied with their marital relationship and having acceptable reasons for separation due to emotionality:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eIn the beginning, when I talked about the separation, he didn\u0026apos;t accept. Sometimes he cried and said that I accept that the problem is mine, but you also come to my feet and answer. For a month, he was even close to him. I didn\u0026apos;t. He said let\u0026apos;s talk. He said let\u0026apos;s go to the house and let\u0026apos;s leave. We\u0026apos;ll go soon I reconciled with him.\u0026quot; (Participant No. 17, 33 years old, 11 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTheme 5. Problems caused by social and economic issues\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most important concerns of women in marriage is the problems caused by economic issues\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5.1. Negative impact of economic issues on marriage\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEconomic issues can cause other problems. For example, husbands get nervous, wife\u0026apos;s needs are not met, etc.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;My wife has a busy job. At the beginning of the marriage, everything was fine and we managed to make ends meet, but now the market changes and sanctions have made my wife nervous, and our income and expenses are not matching up\u0026quot; (Participant No. 18, 36 years old, 9 years of marriage).\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother participant expressed the role of economic issues in marital disputes as follows: Needs were not met.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026quot;I can\u0026apos;t believe that after living together for 10 years, my tooth hurts and I want to go to the dentist. He says, we don\u0026apos;t have money, or we don\u0026apos;t have a month\u0026apos;s worth of meat in the fridge. (Participant No. 19, 40 years old, 10 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5.2. Negative impact of a man\u0026apos;s occupation on marital life\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOccupation affects many aspects of a person\u0026apos;s life. In this study, women were upset that their husbands\u0026apos; ideas and thoughts were their husbands\u0026apos; job, and they considered this point to be the main reason for the argument.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;Well, he gets tired of his work and has many mental conflicts. His job is such that he doesn\u0026apos;t interact with normal people. He deals with criminals and... He is constantly stressed because of his job. He deals with all kinds of people in his work, that\u0026apos;s why his mind is constantly confused and he has become pessimistic.\u0026quot; (Participant #7, 43 years old, 13 years of marriage).\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother participant described his wife\u0026apos;s employment situation as follows:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe person who is my wife never exists: \u0026quot;His priority is his work. He spends 80-90% of his time at work. (Participant No. 11, 30 years old, 5 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5.3. Continuity of the relationship despite marital dissatisfying due to the lack of social, economic, and legal support for the woman\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome women are unable to study/acquire skills/have a job due to the family\u0026apos;s cultural or financial poverty and are worried about providing for their lives after divorce:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;With this condition, I can\u0026apos;t go to my father\u0026apos;s house. I don\u0026apos;t have financial support. My family is poor and I can\u0026apos;t be a burden to them.\u0026quot; (Participant No. 34, 44 years old, 13 years of marriage)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome participants cited the lack of legal support for divorce at the woman\u0026apos;s request as the reason for continuing the relationship:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;A woman does not have the right to divorce unless the man gives her this right in the contract, otherwise she has no right, and if the man wants to divorce her, he can divorce her, but even if the woman saw her husband while he was cheating, they say you must bring a witness. Our rules are in favor of men\u0026quot; (participant #7, 43 years old, married for 13 years)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study highlights the multifaceted factors that influence women\u0026rsquo;s marital dissatisfaction formation. The five themes identified _ incorrect criteria for choosing a spouse, personality and individual issues, weakness or lack of life skills, problems caused by beliefs and ideas and cultural issues, and problems caused by social and economic issues _ offer insight into how broader societal, cultural, personal, and relational factors.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eParticipants highlighted lack of premarital familiarity and emotional impulsivity as key issues. Traditional matchmaking often restricted women\u0026rsquo;s agency, leading to mismatched expectations. This aligns with studies in collectivist cultures where arranged marriages limit spousal compatibility assessments [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e]. For example, Participant #6 lamented, *\u0026ldquo;I wish we could get to know each other more\u0026rdquo;*, reflecting cultural constraints on courtship.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe theme \"Incorrect Criteria for Choosing a Spouse\" refers to flawed decision-making processes in spouse selection, often rooted in cultural norms, emotional impulsivity, and unrealistic expectations. In the study, Iranian women identified this as a key contributor to marital dissatisfaction. Subthemes included: inadequate acquaintance before marriage, choosing based on emotions, unrealistic concepts of marriage. These factors reflect systemic issues in traditional courtship practices and societal pressures in Iran.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eParticipants highlighted limited premarital interactions due to cultural restrictions. Traditional matchmaking often prioritizes family approval over spousal compatibility, leaving women unprepared for marital realities. Participant #6: \u0026ldquo;We got married traditionally... I wish we could talk more before marriage. I didn\u0026rsquo;t know many things about him and his family.\u0026rdquo; In collectivist societies like Iran, arranged or semi-arranged marriages limit opportunities for couples to assess compatibility [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e]. Families often enforce strict boundaries during courtship to preserve honor, reducing transparency [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAlso, emotional impulsivity, particularly in modern \"love marriages,\" led to disillusionment. Participants described romanticized courtships where men concealed flaws to secure marriage. Participant #12: \u0026ldquo;During our friendship, he acted like a gentleman. After marriage, he changed completely.\u0026rdquo; Romantic idealism often obscures practical considerations, leading to post-marital dissatisfaction [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEmotional decision-making is linked to higher divorce rates in studies on marital stability [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]. Many women entered marriage with idealized expectations (e.g., \"prince on a white horse\"), only to face stark realities. Social media exacerbated this by promoting unattainable relationship standards. Participant #18: \u0026ldquo;During friendship, everything was perfect. After marriage, everything changed 360 degrees.\u0026rdquo; Unrealistic expectations are amplified by media portrayals of \"perfect\" relationships, fostering dissatisfaction [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e]. This aligns with global trends where digital platforms distort marital perceptions [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e]. On the other hand, families often prioritize socioeconomic status, religious alignment, or social reputation over personal compatibility. Participant #19 noted, \u0026ldquo;They lied about his job to secure the marriage.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe theme \"Cultural and Belief-Related Issues\" encompasses societal norms, familial traditions, and deeply ingrained beliefs that exacerbate marital dissatisfaction. In the study, Iranian women identified these issues as critical drivers of conflict, often rooted in patriarchal structures, collectivist values, and stigma. Subthemes include: marital infidelity and distrust, family interference, false beliefs about problem-solving, deception in marriage, stigma against counseling, and cultural pressure to remain married. These factors reflect the tension between traditional norms and modern marital expectations in Iran that have been confirmed by many documents as the source of women's dissatisfaction in their married life.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn patriarchal societies, infidelity is often tacitly tolerated for men but stigmatized for women, perpetuating power imbalances [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e]. Research links infidelity to cultural norms that prioritize male authority [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e]. Involvement of in-laws in marital decisions (e.g., finances, child-rearing) eroded spousal autonomy. Extended family interference is common in collectivist cultures, where marital relationships are viewed as communal rather than private [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e]. Such dynamics undermine intimacy and escalate conflicts [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eParticipants cited harmful myths, such as \u0026ldquo;having children will save the marriage,\u0026rdquo; which worsened dissatisfaction. Participant #17: \u0026ldquo;We had a child to fix our issues, but our lives became more tangled.\u0026rdquo; Misguided beliefs about marital problem-solving (e.g., relying on children or financial stability) are prevalent in cultures with limited access to relationship education [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDishonesty in matchmaking reflects societal pressure to maintain family honor, even at the cost of marital transparency [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e]. Also, mental health stigma in conservative societies discourages couples from accessing support, exacerbating unresolved conflicts [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e]. Legal frameworks favoring men (e.g., divorce rights, child custody) perpetuate dependency and disempowerment [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e]. On the other hand women lacking financial autonomy face barriers to leaving toxic marriages [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe theme \"Personality and Individual Problems\" encompasses personal traits, mental health conditions, and behavioral patterns that strain marital relationships. Subthemes identified in the study include: personality clashes (e.g., pessimism, rigidity), mental health disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety), irresponsibility of spouses, restrictions on wives\u0026rsquo; social/economic activities, exposure to violence (verbal, physical), and husband\u0026rsquo;s addiction. These issues highlight how individual-level factors interact with cultural norms to exacerbate marital dissatisfaction. This aligns with research linking psychological disorders to marital discord [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn patriarchal settings, men\u0026rsquo;s dominant personalities often suppress women\u0026rsquo;s voices, deepening dissatisfaction [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e]. Mental health stigma in Iran discourages seeking help, worsening marital dysfunction [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e]. Studies show untreated depression in one partner increases divorce risk by 40% [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGender role inequities in Iran often place domestic responsibilities solely on women, fueling resentment [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e]. Such dynamics are amplified in marriages where men view earning income as their sole duty [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e]. Substance abuse (e.g., alcohol, drugs) destabilized marriages, yet legal hurdles prevented women from divorcing addicts. Participant #14: \u0026ldquo;My husband is addicted to marijuana. He abandoned us for his habits.\u0026rdquo; While Iranian law permits divorce for addiction [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e], women often struggle to prove it in court, trapping them in unsafe marriages [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe theme \"Weakness in Life Skills\" refers to deficits in practical, emotional, and relational competencies that hinder couples\u0026rsquo; ability to navigate marital challenges. In the study, Iranian women identified these gaps as critical contributors to dissatisfaction, exacerbated by cultural norms and systemic barriers. In review of literature, life skills training (e.g., financial management, communication) is linked to higher marital satisfaction [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e]. Effective communication is a cornerstone of marital stability and its absence predicts dissatisfaction [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e]. Also, participants emphasized lack of conflict resolution skills and unrealistic romantic expectations. Social media comparisons (\u0026ldquo;Men compare you to retouched actresses\u0026rdquo;) distorted marital satisfaction, a phenomenon observed globally in digital-era relationships [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e]. The absence of premarital life skills training resonates with calls for relationship education to enhance marital resilience [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe theme \"Social and Economic Issues\" highlights systemic barriers and external pressures that trap Iranian women in dissatisfying marriages. Rooted in Iran\u0026rsquo;s patriarchal legal framework, economic instability, and societal stigma, these issues limit women\u0026rsquo;s autonomy and exacerbate marital conflict. These factors intersect to perpetuate cycles of dissatisfaction, particularly in a context marked by sanctions and gender inequity. Economic stress is a global predictor of marital discord [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e]. In Iran, sanctions have intensified financial strain, destabilizing households [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLimitations\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study focused on 15 women in Tehran, a metropolitan area, which may not reflect the experiences of women in rural or other culturally distinct regions of Iran. Urban settings often have different social dynamics, access to resources, and gender norms compared to non-urban areas. Participants were recruited from counseling offices, introducing potential selection bias. Women seeking counseling may represent a subset with heightened dissatisfaction or willingness to vocalize issues, differing from those who avoid formal support. The study exclusively focused on women\u0026rsquo;s perceptions, omitting men\u0026rsquo;s viewpoints. Marital dissatisfaction is bidirectional, and excluding men limits a holistic understanding of relational dynamics. Conducted in 2024, the findings may be influenced by Iran\u0026rsquo;s evolving socio-political climate (e.g., sanctions, economic instability). Rapid societal changes could alter marital dynamics over time, affecting the study\u0026rsquo;s long-term relevance. In a patriarchal society, participants might hesitate to disclose sensitive issues (e.g., domestic violence, infidelity) due to fear of stigma or retaliation. This could lead to underreporting or socially desirable responses. Qualitative studies prioritize depth over breadth. The small, purposive sample limits statistical generalizability, though the findings offer rich insights into the studied group.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis qualitative study illuminates the multifaceted factors contributing to marital dissatisfaction among Iranian women, identifying five interconnected themes: incorrect criteria for spouse selection (e.g., emotional impulsivity, inadequate premarital familiarity), cultural and belief-related issues (e.g., family interference, stigma against counseling), personality and individual problems (e.g., mental health disorders, addiction), weaknesses in life skills (e.g., poor communication, unrealistic expectations), and social-economic challenges (e.g., financial instability, legal inequities). Rooted in Iran\u0026rsquo;s patriarchal norms and collectivist culture, these factors highlight systemic barriers such as restricted agency in spouse selection, societal pressure to uphold marriages despite dissatisfaction, and economic dependency trapping women in unfulfilling relationships.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive interventions, including premarital education programs to address life skills and realistic marital expectations, accessible counseling services to destigmatize mental health support, and legal reforms to enhance women\u0026rsquo;s autonomy. Addressing these issues holistically\u0026mdash;through policy changes, community education, and empowerment initiatives\u0026mdash;could mitigate marital dissatisfaction, reduce divorce rates, and alleviate broader social and cultural costs. By prioritizing both individual and systemic solutions, Iran can foster healthier marital dynamics and strengthen family resilience in the face of evolving societal pressures.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe procedures followed in this study were in accordance with principles of the Declaration of Helsinki (1964, amended most recently in 2008) of the World Medical Association. The protocol was approved by the Ethics Commission of\u0026nbsp;the Vice Chancellor for Research and Technology of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (Ethical code: IR.KUMS.REC.1403.119), and the requirement for patient informed consent was waived by the Ethics Commission of\u0026nbsp;Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences\u0026nbsp;due to the qualitative nature of the study.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of data and materials\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare no competing interests\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis work was supported by Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (4030278). \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors\u0026apos; contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAH and SSH analyzed, interpreted the data, drafted and edited the manuscript. NB and FR conceived this study. AH, SSH, NB, FR, FG, and ZM supervised the study design, data interpretation, and edited the manuscript. AH, SSH, NB, FR, and FG operationalized the study and edited the manuscript. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgments\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe thank all participants in this study.\u0026nbsp;This study is the result of research project No. 4030278, approved by the Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.\u0026nbsp;Also, we express our gratitude to the officials of the Clinical Research Development Center, Motazedi Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran. Artificial intelligence (DeepSeek) was utilized to enhance the translation and correct grammatical errors in this manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n \u003cli dir=\"LTR\"\u003ePriyadharshini, S. and R.T. 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Giglio, and Z. Zheng, \u003cem\u003eSocial media and romantic relationship: Excessive social media use leads to relationship conflicts, negative outcomes, and addiction via mediated pathways.\u003c/em\u003e Social Science Computer Review, 2022. \u003cstrong\u003e40\u003c/strong\u003e(6): p. 1523-1541.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli dir=\"LTR\"\u003e Burgess, R., \u003cem\u003ePentecostal Christian\u0026rsquo;s Influence On Marital Satisfaction And Longevity.\u003c/em\u003e 2025.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli dir=\"LTR\"\u003e Ziaei, T., et al., \u003cem\u003eComparing the effect of extended PLISSIT model and group counseling on sexual function and satisfaction of pregnant women: A randomized clinical trial.\u003c/em\u003e Journal of Caring Sciences, 2022. \u003cstrong\u003e11\u003c/strong\u003e(1): p. 7.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Divorce, Marital satisfaction, Content analysis, Women, Iran","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6295417/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6295417/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBackground and purpose:\u003c/strong\u003e Marital satisfaction is one of the important aspects of preserving family life. Today, due to social developments at the global level, the family system has weakened and many marriages lead to divorce or failed marital relationships. Therefore, considering the undeniable importance of marital satisfaction in the health of couples and children and the increase in the number of divorces in society; we decided to explain Iranian women's perception of marital dissatisfaction formation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethods:\u003c/strong\u003e This exploratory qualitative study involved in-depth interviews with 15 married women in Tehran, Iran, in 2024. All participants were in long-term relationships with their husbands. Data were analyzed using conventional content and thematic analysis using MAXQDA 10 software to identify key themes from the women’s experiences. To ensure the rigor of the study, the Guba and Lincoln criteria, including credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability, were applied.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResults\u003c/strong\u003e: 114 codes and five themes were extracted. Five main themes include: incorrect criteria for choosing a spouse, Problems caused by beliefs and ideas and cultural issues, personality and individual problems, weakness or lack of life skills, and problems caused by social and economic issues.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConclusion:\u003c/strong\u003e This study identifies five key issues driving marital dissatisfaction among Iranian women. These issues are entrenched in Iran’s patriarchal and collectivist culture, which limits women’s agency, enforces societal pressure to maintain unhappy marriages, and perpetuates economic dependency. Holistic efforts (combining policy changes, community awareness, and empowerment programs) could reduce dissatisfaction and divorce rates, fostering healthier family dynamics and societal resilience.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Iranian women's perception of marital dissatisfaction formation: an explanatory qualitative study","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-05-19 13:11:54","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6295417/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"e2ef35e6-805b-4810-9515-1d484dcc98a6","owner":[],"postedDate":"May 19th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-03-06T14:25:57+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-05-19 13:11:54","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-6295417","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-6295417","identity":"rs-6295417","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}