Journal of Population Association of Iran

Journal of Population Association of Iran

Assessment of Quality of Life Trajectories Among Divorced Women: A Qualitative Study in Ilam City

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Masoud Almasi
Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/jpai.2025.2060952.1418
Abstract
This qualitative study explores the various dimensions of quality of life among divorced women in Ilam City, focusing on their experiences both before and after divorce. A rigorous thematic analysis framework was utilized for this research. A purposive sample of 17 divorced women residing in Ilam was recruited through semi-structured interviews. The gathered data were systematically analyzed following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis protocol (2006). The findings reveal that divorce significantly affects four key aspects of quality of life: physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships, and environmental conditions. Prior to divorce, participants reported experiencing severe psychological distress, exposure to marital violence, social ostracism, and considerable economic hardship, all of which substantially diminished their quality of life. In contrast, post-divorce outcomes indicated notable improvements in both physical and mental health, enhanced personal development, and increased social and economic independence. However, persistent challenges remain, including entrenched negative cultural perceptions, ongoing financial limitations, and insufficient institutional support systems. These findings highlight that a complex interplay of individual, socio-cultural, and economic factors influences the quality of life for this vulnerable population. To foster sustainable improvements in their well-being, it is crucial to implement comprehensive, multidimensional interventions that encompass specialized mental health services, economic empowerment initiatives, strengthening of social support networks, and transformative changes in cultural attitudes.
Keywords
Divorce, Physical health, Mental health, Social relationships, Living conditions
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Journal of Population Association of Iran

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 08 November 2025

  • Receive Date 04 August 2025
  • Revise Date 25 October 2025
  • Accept Date 08 November 2025