Long term satisfied marriage model: A grounded theory study

A Long-term satisfied marriage provides a lot of positive outcome for mental, physical health and growth for the family members. The aim of this study was to present a model of the effective factors in long-term satisfied marriage. This study was done with qualitative research and grounded theory method. Purposeful sampling used to collect the data. Sampling continued until we get to theoretical saturation. So totally 20 couples with long-term satisfied marriages (20 years and upper) interviewed in semi structured and in-depth method and analyzed using the constant comparative method. Findings indicated that a journey to growing marriage we the core category of the study. Proper marriage selection category was the causal condition of divorce. This category consisted of initial love, proper independence, proper preparation, sufficient dating before marriage. Intervening conditions were divided into three categories of Intra personal factors (functional attitudes and personality characteristics), inter personal factors (functional marital, parental and family of origin system) and Meta personal factors (financial issues). Couples (like forgiveness, problem solving, apologizing, humor style) and family of origins functional strategies (mediating the problem) in difficulties of life and conflicts were explained. Finally Consequences consisted of satisfaction with self, spouse, children and long-term marriage that was considered 20 years and above in this study. This can be conclude that reaching to a growing marriage is not an onset event, but it is a process that couples can get that by passing the vicissitudes of life. Like a journey, it has its own beauties and difficulties. Those marriages reach to the growing marriages that provided by right elements and strategies.