Identifying the Components of Marital Intimacy in Stable marriages: Based on the grounded theory

Marital intimacy is the cause of couples bonding and improving the quality of marital life and its absence or diminution is a key factor in a couple's tendency to separate. In Iran, this phenomenon is like a lost child who needs to be found. Therefore, the aim of this study is to find components of marital intimacy in long-term marriages. This study was conducted qualitatively with grounded theory approach. Information, until data saturation is reached, was obtained through semi-structured interviews with 11 intimate couples who were selected in a purposive and criterion-based manner. The obtained data were analyzed through open, axial and selective coding. Data analysis led to a key subject titled “marital intimacy: an process from the inside out” which its framework included twelve components of “effective personality”, “differentiation”, “secure marital attachment”, “pleasant marital cohabitation”, “family-religious teachings”, “intellectual maturity”, “conscious marriage”, “socio-economic issues”, “children and transition to parenthood”, “constructive couple interactions”, “instrumental and emotional support of the spouse”, and “improving the quality of marital life”. The results of this study help many educational and medical centers to develop training packages and necessary programs for couples and families, taking into account the identified factors. In addition, educating couples about these factors will prevent the breakdown and severance of marital relations and increase happiness and quality of marital life.