Developing a model for depression in women living in Bushehr: A grounded theory study

Depression is the most common psychological disorder with higher rates in women than men. Depression has attracted the attention of many specialists. This study aimed to develop a model for depression in women living in Bushehr using a grounded-theory and qualitative approach. The participants were 13 women who lived in Bushehr in 2021 and were selected using purposive sampling. The data were collected through unstructured interviews and the data collection process continued until data saturation. The data obtained from the interviews were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding. A total of 127 primary codes were extracted through open coding and 12 main categories were identified via axial coding. The core category was women’s depression as loneliness and breakdown of emotional bonds. The findings showed that women’s depression is affected by some causal conditions such as traditional marriage, patriarchal attitudes, and social exclusion. Besides, insecure family climate, feeling of inequality, and traditional rituals are some of the contextual factors affecting women’s depression. Moreover, neglecting the personal growth of the girl and the sanctity of the main family are among the intervening conditions affecting women’s depression. The data also indicated that when women are faced with traumatic events, they tend to use strategies such as silence and avoidance, ultimately resulting in women’s depression with marital problems and family dysfunction. Following the findings of this study, it can be concluded that a set of individual, family, and social factors can affect the quality of life and mental health of women and end up in their depression