Examination of Cultural Components of Spouse Selection Based on Iranian Culture: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: Among the ways to improve the culture and values of Islamic society in Iran is identifying and introducing important components of spouse selection. Understanding these components can lead to the selection of a suitable spouse and prevent common mistakes in this area. Therefore, the present study aims to examine educational components of spouse selection in Iranian society. Methods: This qualitative study had an exploratory-descriptive nature and used the grounded theory and systematic Strauss and Corbin methods simultaneously to collect, execute, and analyze data. The research population included all family counselors, faculty members, and managers of counseling centers involved in marriage education and counseling in Yazd in 2022. Therefore, 32 participants were selected using purposive sampling as the research sample. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews which were recorded. Results: The results of open coding showed that out of 254 extracted propositions, 27 concepts were obtained in the form of 11 categories. Through axial coding, 5 main components (awareness of the philosophy of marriage, smart selection, literacy about marriage, rational-emotional strategies, and valuable style of marriage) were identified by integrating and connecting the categories. Selective coding also presented its final theory by designing a paradigmatic framework in a diagrammatic form. Conclusion: Identifying dimensions and components of spouse selection can facilitate the assessment and evaluation of young individuals on the brink of marriage by pre-marital counselors and couple therapists. This will help the young people make vital and important decisions in choosing a life partner.