In a groundbreaking new study published in BMC Psychology, researchers Tabkhi, Manshadi, and Rezapour-Mirsaleh embark on a comprehensive phenomenological investigation into the negative attitudes toward marriage among female university students. This research sheds critical light on a burgeoning social trend that has profound implications not only for individual well-being but also for societal structures deeply rooted in matrimonial traditions. As the global discourse around marriage shifts, understanding the nuanced psychological, cultural, and socioeconomic factors driving these negative perceptions becomes indispensable.
The study utilizes a phenomenological approach to capture the lived experiences of female students who express skepticism or outright rejection of marriage. Unlike quantitative surveys, this qualitative method enables the researchers to delve deeply into the subjective realities of participants, uncovering layers of meaning that would otherwise remain hidden. By engaging with participants through in-depth interviews, the research exposes the multifaceted dimensions of fear, disillusionment, and critique surrounding marriage as an institution.
One of the central findings is the pervasive influence of modernity and increasing educational attainment among women, which correlates with shifting expectations about personal fulfillment and autonomy. The female students interviewed often articulated a dissonance between traditional marital roles and their aspirations for independence, career development, and self-actualization. This evolving self-perception drives a reevaluation of marriage from a compulsory social rite to a conditional, sometimes undesirable, life choice.
Moreover, the study highlights the impact of observed negative marital outcomes within participants’ familial and social circles. Many respondents cited firsthand experiences of marital discord, including emotional neglect, financial dependence, and even abuse, contributing to a growing wariness about entering into similar arrangements. These narratives illuminate the intergenerational transmission of skepticism toward marriage, fueled by lived realities rather than abstract societal norms.
Economic factors also play a crucial role in shaping attitudes. The uncertainty of financial stability, combined with the economic demands traditionally placed on women post-marriage, engenders apprehension. The female students express concerns that marriage may limit their economic independence or force them into sacrificing career opportunities. This economic reasoning, compounded with evolving gender norms, positions marriage as a potential source of constraint rather than liberation.
Mental health dimensions are interwoven throughout the participants’ reflections. The anxiety surrounding potential loss of self-identity and emotional labor inequality surfaces repeatedly. The study thereby underscores the psychological costs entailed in conforming to or resisting marital expectations. In an era where mental health awareness is rising, these insights resonate deeply, revealing marriage not merely as a social contract but as a significant determinant of psychological well-being.
The research further explores the role of media and cultural representations in shaping these attitudes. Participants described how popular media, both domestic and international, portray marriage in conflicting lights—sometimes romanticized, often problematized. This ambivalence feeds into the uncertainty and caution with which female students approach the institution, reinforcing a narrative that marriage is fraught with challenges rather than assured happiness.
Importantly, the study does not simplify negative attitudes into mere rejection but contextualizes them within complex identity negotiations and social pressures. Participants grapple with balancing filial expectations, cultural tradition, and personal desires, often experiencing stress and conflict in making decisions about marriage. This nuanced perspective calls for a more empathetic societal dialogue about women’s choices and the evolving meaning of marriage.
The authenticity of the phenomenological methodology is evident in how it reveals marginalized voices within the student population. The research captures dissenting views that mainstream discussions on marriage often overlook or dismiss. By centering the experiences of young women navigating contested social terrains, the study expands the discourse and advocates for inclusivity in understanding matrimonial attitudes.
This investigation also touches on implications for policy and education. The authors argue that recognizing the complex emotional and social realities facing female students can inform support systems, counseling services, and educational programs designed to empower informed decision-making. Encouraging open dialogue and deconstructing harmful stereotypes about marriage could mitigate anxiety and foster healthier relational dynamics.
The phenomenon of negative attitudes toward marriage among highly educated women is not isolated. Globally, similar trends are emerging, mirroring broader shifts in gender relations, economic conditions, and cultural values. As such, this study’s findings contribute to a growing international body of knowledge that challenges traditional marital paradigms and calls for adaptive societal frameworks.
Furthermore, the study confronts the intersectionality of identity factors such as socioeconomic status, educational background, and cultural affiliation, which complicate the construction of marital attitudes. Female students’ experiences are shown to be far from monolithic, highlighting the importance of context-specific analyses. Such complexity cautions against one-size-fits-all assumptions in policy and cultural discourse.
The authors also reflect on the potential long-term societal consequences of declining marriage rates or postponement trends linked to these negative attitudes. They theorize about shifts in demographic patterns, family structures, and social cohesion, inviting interdisciplinary research to explore these ripple effects across sociology, economics, and psychology.
Methodologically, the study exemplifies rigorous qualitative research standards, including purposive sampling, thematic analysis, and the researcher’s reflective bracketing to minimize bias. These technical strengths ensure trustworthy and meaningful interpretations that can guide future investigations and practical interventions.
Ultimately, this phenomenological inquiry is both timely and urgent, addressing a transformative facet of social life that impacts millions worldwide. By illuminating the intricate psychological landscapes behind female students’ skepticism toward marriage, Tabkhi and colleagues open pathways for renewed discussions around gender, relationships, and personal agency in contemporary society.
As the conversation about marriage continues to evolve, this research stands as a pivotal reference point, emphasizing the critical need to listen to women’s voices and experiences. It challenges entrenched narratives, promotes nuanced understanding, and calls for thoughtful engagement with the realities faced by new generations navigating love, commitment, and independence.
Subject of Research:
Phenomenological exploration of negative attitudes toward marriage among female university students.
Article Title:
Phenomenological investigation of negative attitudes towards marriage in female students.
Article References:
Tabkhi, F., Manshadi, M.D. & Rezapour-Mirsaleh, Y. Phenomenological investigation of negative attitudes towards marriage in female students. BMC Psychol 13, 654 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02520-7
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