Lived Experience of Iranian Women and Men’s Adjustment to Divorce: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Aim: The present study was conducted to investigate the life experience of divorced men and women in coping with divorce.
 Methods: This qualitative study was performed using phenomenological methodology. The research was conducted using purposive sampling of divorced individuals in Shiraz during 1398-99. Finally, after conducting 22 semi-structured interviews, data saturation was reached. The interviews were analyzed using the phenomenological methodology.
 Results: In this study, 3 main themes and 12 sub-themes were obtained, which are: 1- Family is an effective source in achieving adaptation, 2- Individual resilience, and 3- Social resilience. The theme of family as a source includes 2 sub-themes: Emotional support, material support (acceptance, sympathy, housing, etc.), individual resilience theme including 5 sub-themes of mourning, connection to spirituality, accepting divorce, moving towards excellence, controlling emotions (thanksgiving, accepting current living conditions, planning for the future, growing positive emotions, etc.). The theme of social inclusion includes 2 sub-themes of personal growth, earning income and financial independence ­(strengthening individual skills, earning income and economic stability, etc.).
 Conclusion: The results of this study indicate the need for comprehensive attention to the issues of divorced men and women after separation and to take effective measures to empower them to achieve adaptation to the conditions after separation.