A comparative Study of Differentiation of Self, Communication Patterns, and Conflict Resolution Tactics between Divorce Seeking and Normal Couples

Aim: The main objective of this study was to examine the differentiation, communication patterns, and conflict resolution strategies of regular couples and couples who are seeking divorce in Tehran.

Method: This research utilized a descriptive correlational approach using structural equation modeling. The first group consisted of 39,282 individuals seeking divorce in Tehran who had sought assistance from family courts in 2019 and had cohabitated for a minimum of two years. The second group included regular couples in Tehran who had cohabitated for at least two years and had similar demographic characteristics as the first group. The data collection tools used in this study included the the Self-Differentiation Questionnaire (Skoron & Friedlander, 1998), the Communication Patterns Questionnaire (CPQ) (Christensen & Salari, 1984), Conflict Resolution Styles Questionnaire (Rahim, 1983). The data was analyzed using the SPSS26 software with regression method and path analysis approach.

Results: Based on the findings, there is a notable distinction in all aspects of differentiation between the two groups (P=0.01). Moreover, findings revealed significant variance in mutual constructive communication, male expectation/female withdrawal communication, female expectation/male withdrawal communication, and mutual avoidance communication between the two groups (P=0.01). The average scores for these components were higher among normal couples compared to divorce applicants, thus confirming the third hypothesis of the study regarding conflict resolution differences (P=0.01).

Conclusion: The results revealed variations in differentiation between couples seeking divorce and regular couples. Additionally, conflict resolution styles and communication patterns also showed differences between couples seeking divorce and regular couples.