Study RecordField Study
- •August 2024
- •69 pages
- •11,087 married participants
- •18 countries in the participant table
FACResearch & Development
Emotional Divorce Study
Emotional Divorce Study
Emotional Divorce Study
Emotional Divorce in Arab Families in Light of Demographic Variables
A field study presented by the Family Advisory Council in August 2024. It examines the meaning of emotional (or “silent”) divorce, its causes, manifestations and effects, and communication and emotional connection between spouses, in light of a set of demographic variables.
Research Team
Supervision and Study Team
General SupervisionDr. Khalifa Mohammed Al-Muharzi
General Team CoordinatorCounselor Nibras Saeed Al-Mulla
Team LeaderDr. Ahmad Nayel Al-GhurairJordan
With researchers and contributors from: Oman, Jordan, Palestine, the United Arab Emirates, Algeria, and Saudi Arabia.
Study Focus
What the Study Examines
- The meaning of emotional or “silent” divorce.
- Its causes, manifestations, and effects.
- Communication and emotional connection between spouses.
- Shared activities and decision-making.
- Family and child-related effects.
- Educational, economic, residential, cultural, and marital-duration variables.
- Previous research and theories explaining emotional divorce.
- Preventive and counseling recommendations.
Methodology
Approach and Statistical Tools
11,087Married participants
24Questionnaire items
18Countries in the participant table
Approach and Instrument
Descriptive analytical approachCase-study approachOnline questionnaire (24 questions)Four-point scale: always, often, sometimes, rarely
Statistical Methods
SPSS 24.0Frequencies and percentagesMeans and standard deviationsPearson correlationCronbach’s alphaT-testsOne-way ANOVA
Participant Table
Participant Distribution by Country
Egypt
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Iraq
Sudan
Algeria
Morocco
Syria
Yemen
Jordan
Tunisia
Oman
Lebanon
Palestine
Kuwait
Qatar
Bahrain
LibyaNote on the source
The 18 countries listed in the participant table are shown here as the confirmed dataset. The study’s limitations section refers to 22 Arab countries (with Algeria appearing twice in the written list). Figures are shown as reported in the source document, pending client confirmation of the correct version.
The source also reports a 68.5% / 31.5% split between wives and husbands; however, the labelling of which group each share represents differs between pages (pp. 5 and 38 vs p. 30). Shown as reported in the source document, pending confirmation.
Key Findings
Major Themes in the Findings
01
Weak calm dialogue between spouses.
02
Limited shared hobbies and activities.
03
Lack of consultation before decisions.
04
Weak praise, appreciation, and apology.
05
Limited exchange of gifts and affectionate messages.
06
Lack of cooperation in household work.
07
Emotional coldness and distance.
08
Reduced physical and emotional affection.
09
Differences in education, culture, finances, and expectations.
10
Effects on children and the wider family.
About the detailed questionnaire results
The original document contains tables and charts for each of the 24 questionnaire items, along with discussion, interpretation, and academic references. The complete detail is available in the original document below.
Reported level
The report’s summary describes emotional divorce as being at a high level within the study sample, as stated in the source document. These results reflect the study sample and are not a definitive generalization.
Conclusions and Recommendations
General Recommendations
- Strengthen awareness of emotional divorce and its effects.
- Encourage healthy marital participation and shared activities.
- Encourage consultation between spouses in decision-making.
- Provide communication training for couples.
- Develop family-counseling programmes.
Research Notice
This page summarizes the content and findings of the field study as reported in the source document. The results reflect the study sample and are not a definitive generalization. It is provided for educational and professional-information purposes and is not a substitute for individual advice.
Original Field Study
Read the Full Study
The complete Arabic document (69 pages), including its tables, charts, and references.
Family Advisory Council
Supporting Healthier Communication Within Families
The Council supports responsible research, family awareness, and professional counseling that strengthen relationships and family wellbeing.