An Investigation into Components of Female Attractiveness in Couple Relationships from the Perspective of Expert Family Therapists: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: The escalating number of visits to family therapy centers and the increasing divorce rates indicate a profound crisis in relationship status, resulting in family discord and divorce. This study endeavored to scrutinize the elements of female attractiveness in couple relationships as perceived by family therapists with expertise in the field.Methods: This was a qualitative study employing a content analysis design. The statistical population encompassed all expert family therapists in Ahvaz, Iran in 2022. From this pool, eight therapists who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected as the sample. The research methodology employed content analysis, and data were collected through quasi-experimental interviews.Results: The outcomes revealed that the central and organizing categories consist of: 1. Personality Attractiveness (comprising self-esteem, agreeableness, stability, and conscientiousness as organizing codes). 2. Emotional attractiveness (with organizing codes related to positive emotional inhibition and positive emotional manifestation). 3. Cognitive attractiveness (characterized by cognitive capabilities and cognitive development as organizing codes). 4. Physical attractiveness (divided into sexual physical Attractiveness and non-sexual physical Attractiveness). 5. Relationship Attractiveness (encompassing family attractiveness, family relation attractiveness, emotional relation attractiveness, and spousal praise).Conclusion: Female Attractiveness is a multifaceted construct, and the absence of any of its dimensions can undermine its role in couple relationships. Therefore, adhering to these five dimensions can fortify marital bonds.

Keywords

• beauty
• personality
• marriage
• family therapy
• women