Presenting a paradigm model explaining marital satisfaction in Iranian blended family

Abstract

Introduction: Marital satisfaction is a crucial state and Linked with the survival of a marriage for spouses and takes a different form in blended families. Aim: The purpose of this study was developing a conceptual model of explaining marital satisfaction of spouses in Iranian blended families using grounded theory. Method: In this qualitative grounded theory study, the statistical population included all couples in blended families living in Mashhad, Iran in 2022. A total of 21 couples were purposefully and voluntarily selected for in-depth semi-structured interviews. The interviews were continued until theoretical saturation and the data were analyzed using Strauss and Corbin’s method. Results: In the paradigmatic model, fifteen categories were obtained in six main dimensions: causal conditions (type and motivation of marriage, physical and psychological health, commitment, sexual satisfaction, imprinting, emotional factors, disposition, behavioral factors, personality and behavioral traits, parenting), central category (communication skills), strategical category (lawful living), contextual conditions (demographics), intervening conditions (economic and financial needs, extrafamilial needs, cooperation), and outcome (personal and social). Conclusion: The results indicated that communication skills, lawful living, physical and psychological health, commitment, sexual satisfaction, financial needs, cognitive-behavioral factors, personality traits, and parenting were linked with marital satisfaction of couples in blended families. Therefore, it is recommended to use the findings in premarital and marriage counseling for blended families and marriage enrichment programs.