Exploring factors affecting conflict between daughter-in-law and mother-in-law: A qualitative study

Kianoush Zahrakar; Farshad Lavafpour Nouri; Farshad Mohsenzadeh

doi:10.53730/ijhs.v6nS7.13521

Authors

Kianoush Zahrakar
dr_zahrakar@khu.ac.ir
Professor of Counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Department of Counseling, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
Farshad Lavafpour Nouri Ph.D. Candidate of Counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Department of Counseling, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
Farshad Mohsenzadeh Associate Professor of Counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Department of Counseling, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

Keywords:

Mother-in-law, Daughter-in-law, Conflict, Grounded theory

Abstract

The aim of this study is to understand the process of conflict between mothers-in-law (MILs) and daughters-in-law (DILs), contributing factors, strategies, and consequences of utilizing these strategies. Using the grounded theory method, qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 Iranian mothers-in-law and 18 daughters-in-law parents between 2019 and 2022. Based on the data, a conceptual model of conflict was developed, which explains what causal factors have affected the conflict, in what context and under which intervention conditions did the conflict occur, what strategies were used to manage this conflict, and what are the consequences of this conflict. The coding process revealed that Failure to form a shared family identity-the core phenomenon-was at the heart of this conflict. Implications for prevention programs, as well as detailed findings, are discussed.

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