Middle Eastern Journal of Disability Studies

Abstract
Background & Objectives: Divorce rates in Iran are on the rise, leading to an increasing number of couples ending their marriages. This trend is significant, as divorce can have profound effects not only on the individuals involved but also on their families and children. The repercussions of divorce can influence various aspects of life, including emotional health, relationships with relatives and friends, and the nurturing of children. Given the high incidence of divorce in Iran and its widespread impact on family members, it is crucial to explore this phenomenon further. Researchers can gain valuable insights into its consequences by investigating the experiences of couples undergoing divorce. This study will specifically focus on couples seeking divorce in Yazd Province, Iran, allowing for a deeper understanding of the cultural and social dynamics at play in that region. Ultimately, this research aims to shed light on the experiences and ramifications of divorce for those navigating the end of their marriages in Yazd, contributing to a broader understanding of the divorce phenomenon in Iran.
Methods: The current research employs a Hermeneutical phenomenological approach conducted in 2023. The statistical population consisted of all couples applying for divorce and referred to counseling centers in Yazd City between October 2023 and March 2024. A total of 12 couples were selected for interviews through purposive sampling from this group. The sample selection process involved conducting in–depth, semi–structured interviews until theoretical data saturation was reached. Each interview, lasting between 33 to 51 minutes per participant, was recorded and subsequently transcribed by the researcher. The open–ended interview questions explored the anticipated consequences of divorce for various parties involved, including A) the individual's expected consequences, B) the expected consequences for their spouse, C) the expected consequences for their children, and D) the anticipated consequences for their extended family (parents and siblings). They considered social, economic, familial, and psychological aspects. The interviews aimed to delve deeply into the phenomenon, and the resulting data were analyzed using Colaizzi qualitative data analysis techniques.
Results: The female participants ranged in age from 23 to 57 years, with an average age of 36.51 years. Male participants, on the other hand, were aged between 19 and 79 years, with an average age of 45.75 years. In general, women had higher educational levels than men, with all participants possessing at least a middle school education and some having a doctoral degree. The findings from the coding of the lived experiences of couples applying for divorce showed three main themes: social consequences, economic consequences, and psychological consequences. These three themes can be divided and classified into four levels of consequences for the individual, the spouse, the children, and the primary family.
Conclusion: The themes identified in this research, based on the lived experiences of couples seeking divorce, are influenced by the societal and cultural context of the study. Understanding these themes can provide valuable insights into the impacts of divorce, which, in turn, can aid in identifying effective strategies for prevention and intervention regarding this phenomenon.