Marital conflicts are important family issues that may have multiple roots. One important approach to identifying the roots of conflicts is examining couples’ childhood experiences and their effects on marital life and relationships. Considering the importance of relational health, the present study aimed to identify and analyze women’s perceptions and narratives regarding the impact of psychological harms related to their own and their spouses’ childhood experiences on marital conflicts. This study was conducted using a qualitative approach and thematic analysis method. The research population consisted of 22 women experiencing marital conflict who were selected through purposive sampling with convenient access, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data were collected and analyzed through staged semi-structured exploratory interviews.
The findings included one core theme, four main themes, and fifteen sub-themes. The main theme “Diminished Self” consisted of passive interaction style, victimization, low self-esteem, and negative self-concept. The theme “Weak Marital Stability” included emotional immaturity, destructive behaviors, feelings of inadequacy, and poor marital adjustment. The theme “Weak Interpersonal Trust” consisted of dysfunctional interaction patterns, feelings of insecurity, fear of intimacy, and excessive need for attention. The theme “Diminished Agency” included low agency, behavioral immaturity, and weak decision-making.
The findings showed that psychological harms related to couples’ childhood experiences play a role in the development of marital conflicts; therefore, attention by therapists and counselors to these factors can contribute to improving relational health and achieving social goals.