Divorce Indices, Causes, and Implemented Interventions in Iran

Abstract

Objectives Divorce is one of the most important social harms. This study investigated the divorce trends, causes, and implemented interventions. Methods A qualitative approach with a content analysis method was conducted. The study data were collected by reviewing relevant documents such as scientific articles and official reports, interviewing experts, and holding focus group Discussion. Sampling was performed with purposive sampling and the snowball technique to identify experts and professionals in this area. Results In recent years, the ratio of the divorce to marriage has been increasing, and in 2016, it reached its highest level (25.3 divorce per 100 marriages). Weak literacy and marital skills, changing patterns of matching, increased individualism and self-interest seeking, unemployment, addiction, and cyber ads (online advertising) were considered the most important reasons for divorce, according to the experts’ views. Currently, a program for controlling and decreasing the divorce rate is implemented. However, the most critical challenges of the program are weak inter-sectoral collaboration and community participation, dispersing and islanding social services, and also the effect of political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and international macro factors on mentioned national program. Conclusion Social harms inside the family are complicated. So, it requires the cooperation of scattered and islanding services in the form of comprehensive social care units for the target population throughout the country. Also, capacity building and national programs institution literacy should be strengthened.