From Shared Life to Non-Functional Separation: Explaining Causal, Contextual, and Intervening Conditions of Divorce During the First Five Years of Marriage in Rafsanjan Amidst the Drought Crisis—A Grounded Theory Study

Bonyad, Leila; Mohammadi, Fatemeh; Bagheri, Fatemeh

doi:10.22034/jsi.2026.2096900.1852

From Shared Life to Non-Functional Separation: Explaining Causal, Contextual, and Intervening Conditions of Divorce During the First Five Years of Marriage in Rafsanjan Amidst the Drought Crisis—A Grounded Theory Study

Articles in Press

Authors

leila Bonyad ¹

Fatemeh Mohammadi ²

Fatemeh Bagheri ³

¹ Assistant Professor of Sociology, Department of Family Studies and Psychology, Hazrat Narjes (S) Faculty, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Rafsanjan, Iran.

² Assistant Professor of Quranic and Hadith Sciences, Department of Quranic and Hadith Sciences, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Rafsanjan, Iran

³ PhD in Architecture and Urban Planning, Research Unit of Rafsanjan Municipality, Rafsanjan, Iran

10.22034/jsi.2026.2096900.1852

Abstract

Background and aim: This study provides a sociological analysis of divorce occurring within the first five years of marriage in Rafsanjan, identifying its core category.

Data and method: mploying a qualitative grounded theory approach, data were collected via in-depth semi-structured interviews with 11 divorced individuals. Purposive sampling continued until theoretical saturation. Analysis utilized open, axial, and selective coding.

Findings: The core category, "Dysfunctional Life Disruption," emerged within a paradigm model comprising three condition categories: Causal conditions (cultural-personality incompatibilities and lack of spousal role responsibility); Contextual conditions (communication conflicts and the influence of family/social networks); and Intervening conditions (economic issues, financial dependence, and misconduct/violence).

Conclusion: "Dysfunctional Life Disruption" reflects the failure of adaptation and role consolidation in early marriage, arising from the interplay of these conditions. These findings can inform the design of preventive programs targeting early marital dissolution.

Keywords

Divorce, Dysfunctional Life Disruption, Cohabitation, Rafsanjan

Drought crisis

Subjects