Consequences of Emotional Divorce in Couples' Lived Experience with a Focus on Spiritual Elements

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 The psychology student of Qom

2 Ethics and Education Institute of Higher Education

3 Associate Professor at Imam Khomeini Educational and Research Institute**

10.22034/ip.2026.465.1318

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the consequences of emotional divorce within couples' lived experiences, with an emphasis on spiritual dimensions. The research was designed using a qualitative approach and phenomenological methodology. The statistical population included all married men and women who had experienced emotional divorce, from which 20 individuals were selected through purposive sampling and studied using in-depth semi-structured interviews. The collected data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method. The findings indicated that the consequences of emotional divorce can be categorized into five core themes: individual and psychosomatic consequences, relational outcomes and infidelity, child-related impacts, ethical and social ramifications, and ultimately, relationship termination. Furthermore, data analysis revealed that spiritual elements play a significant role in shaping these outcomes, in some cases leading to post-traumatic growth and spiritual transformation, while in others exacerbating psychological harm and spiritual alienation. This study emphasizes the necessity of considering spiritual dimensions in designing preventive and therapeutic interventions for emotional divorce.interventions for emotional divorce.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Islam and Psychological Research

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 28 April 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 18 September 2025
  • Revise Date: 24 February 2026
  • Accept Date: 23 April 2026

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