A Study of Related Factors Leading to Divorce from the Viewpoints of Mahmudabad’s Couples Filing for Divorce in 1396-1397

Extended Abstract: Introduction: Based on Statistical Center of Iran, the rate of divorce has increased in the recent decades. Changes in the society, as a developing country, can explain some parts of the increasing rate of divorce. Due to the complexity and ambiguity of divorce phenomenon, and the importance of having a healthy family in society to meet the basic needs such as love, belonging, and identity, there is a need to investigate the divorce data to identify the key factors that can explain why it happens. Hence, the main goal of this study is to present a sociological analysis of divorce phenomenon; and seek to contribute efforts as regards the social factors related to divorce among Mahmudabad ‘s couples applying for divorce. Method: The research methodology was based on quantitative methods including, semi- structured questionnaire to get information and data from couples who were heading towards divorce. The study includes all cases (couples) of divorce applicants referring to “The intervention center in the family to reduce divorce rate (Welfare Organization)” in two years, which in total included 627 cases (1396 and 1397) in Mahmudabad, Mazandarn province. Findings: The main findings of this study are mentioned in two different parts. At first, the research focused on some socio-demographic variables, such as areas (city or countryside), education level, age, and duration of marriage. Statistics show the following findings: Couples living in cities (Mahmudabad and Sorkhrud) compared with those settling in the villages, are more likely to apply for divorce. There is a correlation between the level of couples’ education and divorce. Those couples whose education level is less than high school diploma, they are regarded as less educated couples, and lower level of education is one of the most important factors that affects divorce. Comparison of different age groups shows that the couples marrying early, they are less stable, and more likely to get divorced. The average age of the duration of marriage that leads to divorce is about more than 5 years. In the next part, the most common reasons related to divorce are mentioned. In brief, extramarital affairs, emotional divorce, addiction to drugs or alcohol, unfamiliarity or lack of life skills training, interference of other family members or others, sexual dissatisfaction, and economic conditions or money-related issues are cited as the most common reasons for divorce. These can explain why so many marriages fail. According to these: Extramarital affairs, betrayal, and non-commitment to marriage are the the most common causes of divorce, and from among them, the emotional and sexual affairs are the ones that mostly lead spouses to the breakdown of their marriages. The second one is emotional divorce. Emotional divorce, as a psychological mechanism, often appears before the legal, financial, and physical separation; and for these couples, divorce can be regarded as a possible solution. The majority of marriages are ending because of addiction to drugs or alcohol. If one is addicted (mostly husbands), the spouse suffers from financial issues, sexual matters, abuse, and lack of the sense of responsibility. Lack of life skills training is another  important factor in divorce. Core life skills that defined by WHO are: Self-awareness, Empathy, Critical Thinking, Creative Thinking, Decision Making, Problem Solving, Effective Communication, and Interpersonal Relationship. These basic skills help individuals and spouses to be adaptive and to deal effectively with the challenges. Interference of family members, especially parental interference, in married couple relationship is another reason for the breakdown in the marriage. Sadly, argument about parents and families put couples under pressure and tension. Most importantly, for both males and females, sexual dissatisfaction has significant effects. The importance of sexual dissatisfaction is clear; and associated with a successful life. Sexually satisfied couples tend to have more love and commitment; and they are less likely to file for divorce. Economic conditions or money-related issues are another reason for marriages to break down. Unemployment or insufficient income are the most common causes of creating these situations.      Moreover, the finding presents an increase in the proportion of children from divorced families who experienced stressful circumstances are struggling with some negative consequences during or after their parents’ divorce, as a stressful and upset event. Results show that divorce puts pressure on most of these children, in particular it brings about the feelings of anxiety, anger and depression. Discussion: as mentioned above, in addition to urbanization, education level, early marriage, and duration of marriage, which are all important and  affect the rate of divorce in Mahmudabad; the most important factors related to divorce are extramarital relationships, betrayal, and non-commitment to marriage, emotional divorce, drugs or alcohol abuse/addiction, unfamiliarity with applying life skills, families and relatives interference, dissatisfaction with sexual relationship, and economic variables. Therefore, with regard to the mentioned findings, a number of suggestions and recommendations are proposed to minimize the divorce rate, and they play a vital role to prevent or reduce negative consequences of breakup of a marriage in the future including, pre-marital education; life skills training programs; and revision of the rules and laws. There are no complete solutions for divorce, but there are factors that can reduce the rate of divorce or decrease its negative consequences. Ethical Considerations Funding: This research did not have any sponsors. Authors’ Contributions: the author contributed in conducting and writing all part of the current research. Conflicts of Interest: there is no conflict with other author’s research and interest. Acknowledgments: the author would like to express her sincere appreciation for the very helpful contributions of time, knowledge and kindness to “Welfare Organization” colleagues and friends in Mahmudabad