Factors of Staying in Abusive Emotional Relationships of Iranian Girls: A Qualitative Study

Background Emotional relationships constitute an important part of the lives of most young people and can be important aspects of identity, a source of intimacy, emotional security, and social status for them. However, these relationships may sometimes lead to traumatic relationships and debilitating symptoms. Despite the unpleasantness of these relationships, some girls cannot leave such relationships. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the factors that cause Iranian female students to remain in abusive emotional relationships. Methods This research was conducted via the content analysis method. The participants were 9 Iranian girls aged 20–30 years and 10 counselors and psychologists, and the sampling was purposeful. The interviews were conducted in person and recorded. Then, they were transcribed verbatim, and the data were named in semantic units that were similar to each other under a subcategory. Finally, several subcategories were placed in a main category that has a higher degree of abstraction and is called the theme. To validate the findings, the Lincoln and Guba method was used, and for a more in-depth examination, the categories were examined via MaxQuda software version 2020. Results The results of the interviews led to the emergence of three main categories and seven subcategories: family factors (strict and permissive parenting, the clinical symptoms of parents, and the ability to reconstruct relationships with parents), individual factors (attachment-related needs and identity confusion) and social factors (peer pressure). Conclusions in general, a lack of psychological security in the family, excessive strictness, and neglect of emotional needs, whether real or perceived, and social pressures can affect abusive emotional relationships. Therefore, it is necessary to prioritize the implementation of supportive, educational, and counseling programs to prevent and reduce harm in educational centers, counseling centers, and the mental health policy system.