Premarital Concerns Among Iranian Couples: A Four-Dimensional Thematic Analysis and Implications for Counseling
Abstract
Marriage involves significant transitions regarding personal, relational, and family-related anxieties. This study explored premarital concerns among Iranian couples using qualitative thematic analysis and quantitative validation. Results identified a validated framework of 35 distinct concerns categorized into four dimensions: self-related, partner-related, own-family-related, and partner’s-family-related concerns. Findings highlight the multidimensional nature of premarital anxiety in collectivist contexts, particularly the role of extended families. This framework offers a culturally grounded diagnostic tool for premarital counseling and interventions to strengthen marital relationships.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Attachment and Relationship Dynamics
Marriage and Family Dynamics
Counseling
Therapy
and Family Dynamics
Publication details
- Journal / source
- American Journal of Family Therapy
- Volume
- 54
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 491–505
- Publication date
- 5 February 2026
- Language
- EN