A post-divorce adjustment model for women: A research based on grounded theory

Divorce is the cause of the disruption of the most fundamental element of society (i.e., the family). After the death of a spouse, a great deal of change is needed for post-divorce adjustment. The objective of this study was to develop a qualitative post-divorce adjustment model for women based on the grounded theory. The research population included all divorced women referring to the counseling centers supervised by the Welfare Organization in Ahvaz. The participants included 20 divorced women who were selected through purposive method; they participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using Strauss and Corbin’s systematic method. 265 primary codes, 43 subcategories, 17 main categories and one core category were extracted from the data. The main categories included others’ strategic support, religious confrontation, facilitative patience, financial management, communication and environment borderlines, morality and self-control, children existence, personality and education structures, the way to be in a former life, self-study practice, soothing pursuits, personal development, meaningful social presence, growth opportunities for children, search for specialized assistance, jobs and education, freedom from divorce cage and problem-solving skills. Subsequently, post-divorce adjustment (a quest for independence and peace) was chosen as the final category. Finally, a paradigmatic model was derived from the data. The results are beneficial for supportive agencies as well as family counselors in providing appropriate solutions and facilitating the post-divorce adjustment.