Applied Psychology

Applied Psychology

Comparison of Tendency to Divorce, Sexual Satisfaction, Marital Disaffection, and Self-Differentiation in Divorce Applicant Couples Based on Demographic Characteristics

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Esmat Ghaedi 1
Changiz Rahimi Taghanki 2
1 Ph.D Student of Clinical Psychology, Faculty Of Education And Psychology, University Of Shiraz, Iran
2 Professor psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Shiraz university, Shiraz, Iran
10.48308/apsy.2026.241158.1886
Abstract
Aim: The present study aimed to examine and explain differences in tendency to divorce, marital disaffection, differentiation of self, and sexual satisfaction based on demographic characteristics (duration of marriage, economic status, education level, and gender) among couples applying for divorce.
Methods: This causal- conducted using purposive sampling. Data were collected during 2021 and 2022 from 426 individuals (213 couples) who visited the Divorce Reduction Office in Shiraz. Standardized questionnaires were used, including the Tendency to Divorce Scale, Sexual Satisfaction Scale, Differentiation of Self Scale, and Marital Disaffection Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 with one-way ANOVA and independent t-tests.
Results: Tendency to divorce (p=0.013) and marital disaffection (p=0.007) were higher among couples with longer marriage duration. Sexual satisfaction was higher in the early years of marriage (p=0.002). Differentiation of self did not differ significantly by duration of marriage (p>0.05). Those with better economic status reported higher sexual satisfaction (p<0.01). Higher education was associated with greater sexual satisfaction (p<0.001) and differentiation of self (p=0.003). Men scored higher in differentiation of self (p=0.01) and sexual satisfaction (p=0.02), while women reported more marital disaffection (p=0.005). There was no significant gender difference in tendency to divorce (p=0.09).
Conclusion: Demographic factors play a significant role in the quality of marital relationships, and gender differences should be considered in counseling interventions. Moreover, future research is needed to explore underlying cultural and psychological variables.
Keywords
Divorce
Marital Disaffection
Sexual Satisfaction
Differentiation of Self
Tendency to Divorce
Couples
Subjects
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