Joint and Separate Lifestyles of Married Couples

The importance of positive family relationships and its impact on various aspects of social life, including health, have been stressed in several studies. Religious teachings have always emphasized companionship and optimal relations between couples. This study examines married lifestyles and its determinants and seek to determine the factors affecting their lifestyle.

A cross-sectional survey of married men and women in Tehran was done. We selected 1736 samples by multi-stage cluster sampling from 50 districts and the data were analyzed.

Extreme individualism was not prevalent among spouses. Selective lifestyles were affected by mass media, religion, gender, and attitudes of the spouse leading to conflict between work and family.

Findings of this study, have challenged the relationship between contemporary changes and a separate lifestyles. In order to increase the stability of marital life, it is necessary to explain family policies and  consideration of individual intimate needs of married couples.