Causes of Increasing Trend of Divorce in Iranian Community: What Do the Experts Think?

Background: In recent years, Iran has faced an increasing and troubling trend of divorce in all provinces. Aim: This qualitative study explains experts' opinions regarding causes of divorce over the past decade. Methods: This study was conducted using grounded theory. The data were collected using a combination of focus group discussion and faceto- face interviews with experts. Group discussions were conducted in four sessions, each averaging 1.5 hours and consisting of five to seven participants. Participants included judges, clergymen, lawyers, psychologists, family counselors, sociologists, and psychiatrists. Data coding, or finding concepts in data, was performed in a three-step sequence which included open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. Results: Causes of divorce were found to fall into one of three categories: socio-cultural, family, and individual factors. Several subthemes included religious commitments, change of attitude towards life, welfare seeking and individualism, interference of families, sexual dissatisfaction, marital infidelity, addiction, and increased competence of women. Conclusions: Iran's transition from traditional to modern society has led to significant cultural change, and one of the negative consequences of this awakening is an increase in the country's rate of divorce.