Analyzing Communication Patterns of Couples on the Verge of Separation

With the increase of divorce phenomenon and social changes, couples' communication patterns have changed and it is necessary to discover and identify them. The purpose of this research was to analyze the communication patterns of couples on the verge of separation.

The qualitative research design was of thematic analysis type and the community included all couples referred for separation to counseling centers and family courts in Isfahan city, who were selected by purposive sampling method and according to the entry criteria. These people were investigated using a semi-structured interview and the data reached saturation with 12 interviews. Data analysis was performed according to the Claizian model.

After analyzing the data and coding them, 104 initial codes, 17 central codes and 3 main codes were extracted. Disregarding communication pattern, avoidant communication patterns and aggressive communication pattern in the main code and not paying attention to the other, not caring and ignoring the other, lack of companionship and empathy, not having the opportunity to be together, not participating, not giving the other a chance to speak, not expressing Emotions, forgetfulness, silence, giving reasons, condemning the other party, mental reading, alternative mechanisms, using inappropriate verbal and non-verbal ways, comparing with others, harassing the other party, lack of trust were classified in the central code.

Based on the findings of the research, it can be concluded that neglectful, avoidant, and aggressive communication patterns can each lead to the tendency to divorce among couples. Paying attention to the categories of the current research can be effective in order to prevent marital conflicts and reduce the divorce rate.