A Grounded Theory of Attitudes toward Marriage: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: Given the space literature on explaining how the attitudes toward marriage are formed in Iran, this study aimed to explain the formation process of attitude toward marriage in Iranian married students. Method: This was a qualitative study of the grounded theory type in the academic year of 2014-2015. The sample consisted of 18 married students in Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran, chosen through purposive sampling. In-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect the data. Data analysis was carried out using Strauss and Corbin’s three-step coding model (open, axial, selective). Results: The "relative change in attitudes toward marriage" was central class of paradigmatic pattern. The classes of sociocultural factors, early experiences, and observation of incomplete patterns were the causal conditions in this pattern. Three classes of awareness of and understanding each other, material and spiritual support, and realizing the sanctity of marriage were the intervening conditions. Pressures for marriage, interference of parents, intergenerational transmission, as well as economic factors were regarded as contextual conditions. Coping strategies proportional to attitudes were identified as interactive actions. Perceived personal development and willingness in marriage, ambivalence toward deciding to marry, and increase in the age of marriage were provided as the consequences of this paradigmatic pattern. Conclusion: According to paradigmatic pattern, changing attitudes towards marriage is a fundamental factor in encouraging young people to marry, which can be implemented through a systematic approach. According to this approach, promoting successful patterns of marriage in society, moral and material support by parents, teaching coping strategies commensurate with the challenges of marriage, increasing marriage preparation skills, and government support in forming counseling units run by professional family psychologists and counselors are recommended. Keywords: Grounded theory, Attitude toward marriage, Qualitative stud