The Experience of Spouse Selection in Divorce-seeking Individuals

The aim of this study was to identify the dimensions of the experiences of spouse selection in divorce-seeking individuals.

The present study was conducted with a qualitative approach and phenomenological design. The participants consisted of 10 divorce-seeking individuals, whom were referred with their spouse to the family court of Dezful to file for divorce. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using the seven-step Colaizzi method.

The results showed that the process of dating in divorce-seeking individuas lies in the two ends of the dating continuum: unconventional and deconstructive or completely traditional and without gradually getting to know each other. Also in divorce-seeking individuals, ignorance, forced marriage or marriage based on emotional criteria, benefits and materialities, caused the criteria to be disregarded, or the criteria did not match the potential future spouse. As a result, the process of determining the criteria was taken lightly.

If the process of dating and determining the criteria is taken lightly or without awareness and self-determination (freedom), marriage, whether traditional or non-traditional, is more likely to lead to a decision to separate.