Changes of Effective Criteria in Marriage (1978 to 2021) from the Point of View of Couple Therapists: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this research was to identify the indicators of changes in marriage from 1978 to 2022. Methods: To achieve the set goals, qualitative method (Strauss and Corbin's Grounded Theory) was used. Ten psychologist experts in marrage field with an average of 30.6 years of specialized activity in the field of couple relationship were selected using the purposeful sampling method and interviewed in depth until theoretical saturation. The data were recorded, coded and then classified in the form of concepts, sub-categories and main categories. Findings: The analysis of the professional experience of experts led to the identification of 138 secondary codes, 27 concepts, 8 sub-categories and 3 main categories. Changes in extra-spousal, inter-spousal and individual factors are the main categories of this research. Changes in factors such as roles, the phenomenon of divorce, the degree of influence of society, social teachings, the media, increasing the awareness of society, demographic characteristics, social experiences, policies, economic issues, modernization, cultural integration, attitudes, religious issues, the role of the family, the nature of relationship, relationships between the sexes, infidelity, commitment to responsibilities, drug/alcohol abuse, needs, choosing a spouse, motivation, knowledge of life, openness to new experience, and individual identity have been mentioned. Conclusion: This research showed that marriage during the years (1978-2022) was affected by changes in intra-individual, inter-spousal and extra-spousal factors. From the point of view of correcting the unfavorable situation of marriage at the time of research, stable and constructive economic, social and cultural policies seem necessary. Also, taking into account the current conditions of the society and the world, dealing with trainings that are appropriate to the changes that have occurred, paying attention to the individual identity and the needs of the new generation, can also help in arranging the marriage situation