Explaining the Marital Adjustment Process in Iranian Women: A Grounded Theory Study

Background: The marital adjustment has a positive effect on the physical and mental health of family members. The purpose of this study is to explain the process of marital adjustment in Iranian women. Methods: This research is based on qualitative data analysis using the grounded theory method. Theoretical and purposeful sampling was used for data collection. Sampling continued until theoretical saturation. A total of 15 women from Ahvaz participated in the semi-structured interview. Interviews were analyzed using the Strauss and Corbin comparative method. Results: By open coding 17 primary codes and axial coding, 9 major themes related to marital adjustment were obtained.  The results indicated that marital adjustment, motivation to maintain marital life was extracted as the central category and as the main category influenced by contextual, causal and confounding conditions. Contextual conditions include emotional bonding with parents and spouse. Causal conditions are emphasis on self and relationship with another and how to express self in the relationship. Interfering conditions include a relationship with the main family and spouse and social comparison. Strategies include defense mechanisms and empathy. The consequences of marital adjustment were also levels of security and comfort. Conclusion: So this issue can be considered in curing marital maladjustment and conflicts and help therapists to have better understanding of marital dynamics.