Role of Thinking and Decision-Making Styles on Students' Willingness to Marriage Sensitivity

Societal realities indicate a decrease in the desire for marriage among students. This decline may be attributed to changes in thinking styles and decision-making processes, which significantly influence youth and communities, particularly in areas such as marriage and youth relationships. This study aims to investigate thinking styles and decision-making in the desire for marriage among students.

The present study is descriptive correlational research. The research population consisted of master's degree students at Islamic Azad University, Shahre Qods Branch, in the academic year 2022-23. A sample of 229 individuals was selected non-randomly, using G*power software, based on availability and purposive sampling. 

Statistical results indicate that among the components of thinking styles, the conservative thinking style (β = 0.044, df = 2.226, P < 0.001) and the elitist thinking style (β = 0.009, df = 2.226, P < 0.001) can predict the desire for marriage. Additionally, among the components of decision-making style, the dependency component (β = 0.001, df = 2.226, P < 0.001) can predict the desire for marriage.

According to the results, young people are more cautious about marriage and the responsibilities of marriage and prefer to proceed according to conservative thinking with current customs and norms; Also, based on the oligarchy's thinking style, they have a challenge in prioritizing the important tasks of life, and apparently this is the reason that they are more interested in stabilizing their job conditions than marriage and partner selection.