Factors Pertaining To Rising Divorce Rate and Its Consequences on The Family Culture Of Pakistan: A Qualitative Study

Objective: To explore and identify factors attributing towards the rising divorce rate in Pakistan and its consequences. Materials and methods: In-depth semi structured interviews were conducted from 17 divorced participants, five out of which were males. The participants were chosen from Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Islamabad. Interviews were conducted via email, telephone and face-to-face meeting. Results: Findings from the interviews highlighted partner violence, sexual dysfunction, in-laws interference and temperamental incompatibility were the most common causes of divorce. Moreover, consequences of divorce included depression and loneliness, and financial and accommodation issues. It was further found that it was difficult for the divorcees to judge and trust the new person requesting marriage proposal. Another major problem found was the child custody in which usually the males have to give up their children to their mothers. Finally, it was found that children too have to go through psychological issues after their parents separate. Conclusions: Divorce is an unwanted and undesired act of termination of marriage which brings a flood of financial, social and personal issues to divorcees. Divorce has adverse consequences on both males and females such as financial crisis, psychological issues and emotional breakdown. Children suffer emotionally in the absence of either of parents.