Analysis of dysfunctional communication beliefs of women with marital conflict based on lived experience

Abstract

Background: Research has shown that many adverse reactions and problems in couples are caused by dysfunctional communication beliefs. However, despite the importance of this concept in identifying the components of dysfunctional communication beliefs of couples, there is a research gap in the study population. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the dysfunctional communication beliefs of women with conflicting couples. Methods: The present study was conducted by qualitative method and descriptive phenomenology. The study population consisted of all women with marital conflict in Tehran who had been referred to counseling centers in1400 for their conflict problem, and Sampling was performed by purposive sampling method. Nineteen people were selected and studied through semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was performed using the Colaizzi seven-step method. Results: In this study, 4 main themes, and 11 sub-themes. The first main theme is the interpersonal relationship of the couple (emotional relationship, destructive behavior, irrational expectations, differences of opinion and taste, sex and financial issues, and personality factors), and the second main theme is the relationship with the main family (spouse family, behavioral patterns of spouse and family), The third theme was gender issues (dual views on gender maps, gender labels, and gender stereotypes) and the last major theme was legal issues. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, in the fields of interpersonal relationships of couples, relationships with the main family, gender issues, and legal issues, ineffective communication assistants for women were identified.

Keywords

• dysfunctional marital communication beliefs
• conflicting women
• lived experience