A Comparison of Communication Skills, Psychological Well-being, and Alexithymia between Female Applicants and Non-applicants of Divorce

Background & Aims: The most common problem of unsatisfied couples is failure in communication skills and the ability to control emotions. Psychological well-being is one of the most important success factors in marital life. The aim of this study was to compare communication skills, psychological well-being, and alexithymia between female applicants and non-applicants of divorce in Tabriz, Iran. Methods: This was a causal–comparative study. The study population consisted of all 18-30-year-old married women who had applied for a divorce and all 18-30-year-old married women of Tabriz. For this purpose, 200 women (2 groups of 100 applicants and non-applicants of divorce) were selected through multistage random and convenience sampling. Data were collected using Barton’s Communication Skills Questionnaire, Ryff’s Psychological Well-being Scale, and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis of variance test. Results: There was a significant difference between the two groups of women in terms of communication skills, psychological well-being, and alexithymia. This means that communication skills and psychological well-being was lower and alexithymia was higher among the applicants for divorce. Conclusion: The results showed that in order to strengthen couples’ relationships and the foundation of families, and thus, to prevent the phenomenon of divorce and its consequences, the promotion of premarital counseling and providing families with appropriate information is essential.