An Investigation of the Effects of Social Capital, Religiosity, and Family Order on Reducing Emotional Divorce

Emotional divorce is an increasingly prevalent phenomenon in contemporary societies, characterized by the loss of emotional connection between spouses despite the continuation of their legal marital status. This condition not only undermines the psychological well-being of family members but also poses a significant threat to social cohesion and stability. The present study investigates the pivotal roles of social capital, religiosity, and family order in reducing the risk of emotional divorce. Social capital, encompassing networks of relationships, trust, and mutual support, provides a resilient foundation for flexible communication and adaptation within the family. Religiosity, both at individual and community levels, enhances moral values, promotes forgiveness, and fosters a sense of responsibility, thereby acting as a protective shield against emotional estrangement. Additionally, family order—defined by clear roles, shared rules, effective communication, and established family rituals—plays a vital role in nurturing psychological security and reciprocal commitment between partners. Utilizing an interdisciplinary approach and an extensive review of existing scholarly literature, this article analyzes the individual and interactive effects of these three factors on emotional divorce. The findings indicate that robust social capital, especially through supportive family networks and community backing, creates an environment conducive to empathetic communication and the prevention of emotional distancing between spouses. Religious engagement not only provides shared meaning and spiritual connection for couples but also encourages collaborative decision-making and reduces the likelihood of conflict and indifference. Well-ordered families demonstrate greater capacity for constructive conflict resolution, healthy parenting, and the prevention of maladaptive relational patterns. Ultimately, the study highlights the synergistic impact of social capital, religiosity, and family order in safeguarding marital bonds, offering practical recommendations for family counselors, policy-makers, and religious institutions. The results underscore the necessity of multidimensional interventions and the reinforcement of social and religious infrastructures to effectively prevent emotional divorce and promote the overall health and vitality of families and communities.

کلیدواژه ها:

Emotional Divorce ، Social Capital ، Religiosity ، Family Order ، Marital Stability