JSDSES. Vol. 2, No. 2, pp.

25-42 (September, 2023)

Journal of Sustainable Development in Social

and Environmental Sciences
http://jsdses .journals.ekb.eg/

P-ISSN: 2812-6335 E-ISSN:2812-6343

Emotional Divorce and Its Relation to Demographic Variables

Mennatullah Muhammad Nasr Al-Moselhy1, Prof. Ahmed Abd Al-Hady Abu Zeid2,
Prof. Emad Mohamed Ahmed Mokhaimer3, Dr. Dina El-Prince Adel4
1 Teaching Assistant at the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Port Said University, Egypt; mennah.nasr@arts.psu.edu.eg
2 Professor at the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Port Said University, Egypt; ahmedabozaid15111959@gmai.com
3 Professor at the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Zagazig University, Egypt; emadprof1964@yahoo.com
4 Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Port Said University, Egypt; drdina35@yahoo.com
doi: 10.21608/jsdses.2023.207300.1017
ABSTRACT

This is an open access article The study deals with emotional divorce and the demographic variables associated
licensed under the terms of the with it (gender, environment and work), through a comparative descriptive
Creative Commons Attribution approach on a sample of 150 emotionally divorced husbands and wives in Port Said
International License
(CC BY 4.0). Governorate, and South Port Said (Bahr Al-Baqar), and their ages range from 30 to
http://creativecommons.org/licen 60 years. The researcher relies on the use of the emotional divorce scale for married
ses/by/4.0/
couples prepared by Ali Shaker Al-Fatlawy and Wafaa Kazem Jabbar (2012), and
the emotional divorce reasons scale by Sajida Ibrahim (2019). After verifying the
psychometric characteristics (validity and reliability), the researcher reaches
several results, including the following: (1) There are no significant differences
between the means scores of emotional divorce between spouses according to the
gender variable. (2) There are statistically significant differences between the
means scores of emotional divorce according to the environment variable (rural-
urban) in favor of the urban. (3) There is a statistically significant difference
between the means scores of emotional divorce between spouses according to the
education variable (educated-illiterate) in favor of the educated (4) There is a
statistically significant difference between the means scores of working and non-
working wives in emotional divorce in favor of working wives.

Keywords: Emotional divorce, demography, marital life, marital interactions, social

levels.

Introduction This is mainly due to the fact that it gives them

the strength to face the difficulties they encounter
The stability of marital life is one of the goals that in this life.
Islam is keen on, for marriage is considered a
covenant between the spouses until life ends. The Positive marital interactions, on the one hand,
more the relationship between the spouses is may evoke feelings of affection, love, intimacy,
based on affection and mercy, the more it is a and tenderness between the spouses. Negative
source of satisfaction of the different needs marital interactions, on the other hand, may evoke
between them, and the more it makes each of feelings of hostility, aversion, and despair
them feel that he/she belongs to the other party. between the spouses, leading to emotional
Emotional Divorce and Its Relation to Demographic Variables 26

separation, which affects the continuity of the woman becomes involved in the financial
relationship between them. (Amin, 2012, p. 2). responsibility and the man participates in raising
children. One of the effects of a woman’s work is
Marital life is not void of disturbances, as the that she becomes involved in multiple roles that
spouses may face many challenges that may be a she may not be able to reconcile with. That is,
result of lack of harmony or inability to adapt, so even if she contributes to the financial income,
life becomes disturbed and the relationship she still carries the full responsibility for the
between them worsens. Among these house and children, which in turn affects her
disturbances is what is known as emotional relationship with her husband and children.
divorce, which does not happen suddenly, but (Mohammed, 2005, p. 66).
rather appears gradually in case there is a suitable
environment available for its growth (Al-Baz, Statement of the Problem
2019, p. 1).
Marriage and divorce are two variables through
Social changes and the accompanying increase in which the family is built or dissolved, as they are
education and work opportunities for women its two basic pillars, and the family is the original
made her raise the slogan of equality between building block that cannot be dispensed with
men and women. The emergence of movements when building a strong, civilized society.
demanding women’s rights made the continuous Accordingly, the form and content of marital life
relationship suffer from turmoil and imbalance, is very important; that is, the marriage process
and this is due to the fact that these changes were that has a great deal of emotional harmony fueled
not accompanied by sufficient awareness for by an appropriate level of affection and
women of the way in which they can obtain their compatibility is essential. However, it is noted
rights. This, in turn, has caused a change in roles that there is a pattern of marriage patterns that
within the family, and with time the marital continue without love and affection, and that this
relationship may lose its color and taste between form of marriage may create another pattern of
the spouses, and tension floats to the surface of divorce patterns, known as emotional or
their relationship, increasing the pressure on psychological divorce.
them, and then leading them to emotional divorce
or official divorce. (Abu Zant, 2016, p. 35). Based on the abovementioned, emotional divorce
is misery for both spouses and has negative
The woman’s going out to work resulted in many consequences for both of them, as well as health,
psychological and social problems. The working psychological and social problems that negatively
woman is exposed to many stressful situations affect the upbringing of children and the health of
and difficulties in life that may cause a change in the family, which is the nucleus of society.
her lifestyle, which in turn leads to psychological Therefore, the study problem was represented in
and social pressures that affect her relationship the following questions:
with her husband and family. (Adel, 2022, p.
862). 1- Is there a difference between the mean scores
of emotional divorce between spouses according
The difference in the social and cultural level, to the gender variable?
traditions, customs, values, degree of education,
social background and race are among the factors 2- Is there a statistically significant difference
that affect the emotional relationship between the between the mean scores of emotional divorce
spouses and lead to an increase in the gap between between spouses according to the environment
them. Conflict may begin between the spouses variable (rural - urban)?
when one of them wants to change the roles
expected of him/her. Accordingly, new roles 3- Is there a difference between the mean scores
appear and others cease to exist. For instance, the of emotional divorce between spouses according
JSDSES. Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 25-42 (September, 2023)
Mennatullah Muhammad Nasr Al-Moselhy et al. 27

to the education variable (educated - illiterate)? Theoretical Significance of the Study

4- Is there a difference between the mean scores 1- The significance of the current study lies in the
of working and non-working wives in emotional fact that it was not conducted—within the limits
divorce? of what the researcher found—from studies or
research dealing with emotional divorce between
Hypothesis of the Study spouses and linking it to demographic variables.

1- There is no statistically significant difference 2- Indicating the level or scores of emotional

between the mean scores of emotional divorce divorce among a sample of spouses according to
between spouses according to the gender variable. the variable of education and environment.

2- There is no statistically significant difference 3- Indicating the scores and level of emotional
between the mean scores of emotional divorce divorce among a sample of emotionally divorced
between spouses according to the environment working and non-working wives.
variable (rural - urban).
4- The significance of the study is clear from a
3- There is no statistically significant difference theoretical point of view, as it can add to scientific
between the mean scores of emotional divorce for knowledge about the extent to which the
spouses according to the education variable phenomenon of emotional divorce is affected by
(educated - illiterate). demographic variables (environment - education
- work).
4- There is no statistically significant difference
between the mean scores of working and non- Practical Significance of the Study
working wives in emotional divorce.
1- The study may contribute to conducting other
Significance of the Study studies in the field of emotional divorce between
spouses within new variables, as there are no
Owing to its negative impact on family life, the studies that dealt with the subject, according to
emotional divorce variable is one of the variables the researcher's knowledge. This is in addition to
in which research efforts must be continued. It the prevalence of the phenomenon of emotional
constitutes a great danger to the spouses and their divorce in Arab societies and the Egyptian society
children psychologically, educationally, socially, in which it began to become a widespread
and economically. This prompts many phenomenon between spouses, resulting in
researchers to study it. negative effects affecting children, and this is
what future studies and research may show.
Emotional divorce is an internal variable, and its
occurrence does not inevitably lead to the official 2- There is a possibility of benefiting from the
separation of the spouses. Nevertheless, it casts results of this study in determining appropriate
serious shadows and repercussions on the counseling and therapeutic methods for
structure of healthy family and community, emotionally divorced spouses and their children.
particularly since children will be the first
recipients of the harsh negative effects of that Objectives of the Study
divorce. Consequently, divorce will establish for
them a future with unfavorable consequences. 1- Identifying the scores of emotional divorce
between spouses according to the gender
On this basis, the theoretical and practical variable.
importance of the current study can be stated,
which is summarized as follows: 2- Identifying the scores of emotional divorce
JSDSES. Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 25-42 (September, 2023)
Emotional Divorce and Its Relation to Demographic Variables 28

between spouses according to the environment natural and civil conditions, and their mental and
variable (rural - urban). moral characteristics." (Al-Akhras, 1980, p. 15).

3- Identifying the scores of emotional divorce Methodology of the Study

according to the education variable (educated -
illiterate). Design

4- Identifying the scores of working and non- The methodology of the current study is based on
working wives in emotional divorce. the comparative descriptive approach to reveal
the variables of the study and the differences
Terms of the Study between them.

1- Emotional Divorce Sample

Emotional divorce is a state that afflicts the A- Study group: The study group is determined
marital relationship, in which the husband and from emotionally divorced spouses in Port Said
wife feel the estrangement of feelings between Governorate, and South Port Said (Bahr El-
them, and this is reflected in all interactions Baqar).
within the family. In this regard, it is the opposite
of marital compatibility, which means that both B- Study sample: The sample consists of 150
the husband and wife find in the marital husbands and wives of emotionally divorced
relationship something similar to their physical, spouses from Port Said governorate and Bahr El-
mental, and social needs, which results in a state Baqar, south of Port Said. The sample will be
of marital satisfaction. (Meshakhas, 2020, p. selected in a simple random way.
140).
Instrument
Operational definition:
1- A scale of emotional divorce among married
Emotional divorce: It is an imbalance and poor couples, prepared by Ali Shaker Al-Fatlawy,
justice in rights and duties between spouses, Wafaa Kazem Jabbar (2012).
which negatively affects communication, and
thus apathy between spouses. 2- A scale of the causes of emotional divorce by
Sajida Ibrahim (2019).
Emotional divorce is defined operationally by
the score obtained by the respondent on the Theoretical Framework
sections of the emotional separation scale
prepared for the purposes of the current study. Emotional Divorce

2- Demography Marriage is considered a sacred bond blessed by

Allah Almighty, and society approves of it
The concept of demography is to count the because of the embodiment and transcendence of
population, that is, to know the number of people the passion of love, and putting it in its finest
composing the population. (Louis Henry, 1984, p. form. Marital life is a participation between the
5). spouses in all aspects of life. In addition,
Affection, mercy, tranquility and sentimental
As for "Achille Goyard," he defines the term feelings are considered among the most important
demography as "the natural and social history of pillars that strengthen the marital relationship. A
the human race in a numerical study of the happy marital life is a psychological security for
population, their general movements, their a person and satisfaction for his psychological,
JSDSES. Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 25-42 (September, 2023)
Mennatullah Muhammad Nasr Al-Moselhy et al. 29

physiological and social needs. (Zaatar, 2012: p.

5).

Those interested in marital life have noticed that

the spouses, with time, reach a stage ranging Stages of Emotional Divorce
between commitment to the marital bond and
withdrawal from it, particularly if the emotional 1- Disrupting Trust
relationship between them weakens or becomes
stale. When the marital bond turns from a moral At this stage, one of the parties loses trust in the
and spiritual bond to a formal bond based on other party. The loss of trust, or its destabilization
benefit or fear from the point of view of society, between the spouses or the other party, means
customs and traditions, marital life may become a doubt in word and deed. This is considered one of
quiet life. However, if we look closely, we find the main reasons for the occurrence of emotional
that it is an empty, lukewarm life that is closer to apathy between the spouses. (see Hady, 2010, p.
death, and then emotional distancing occurs, or 62).
what is known as emotional divorce. (Al-Sattouf,
2015: p. 2) 2- Love Apathy

1- Concept of Emotional Divorce Love apathy is when the two parties or one of
them feels that one’s feelings are no longer what
The legitimate term for emotional divorce is hajr they were before, and one is no longer attracted to
(desertion), and hajr in language is called on the other, but rather one has become distant from
leaving and distancing, and it is the opposite of the other party, and does not pay attention to or
connection; Tahajr (parting) is the intersection look at this party with the looks of love and
and refraining from communication. Desertion in admiration that were before. One, on the other
the terminology of the mandate of discipline hand, tends to focus on the other’s faults and does
means the parting from, leaving him and not see the positive side in the other party. In
refraining from continuing with the disciplined. addition to becoming reluctant to one’s love and
In the marital relationship, it is the man leaving affection for the other party (see Al-Rashidy &
his wife, not caring for her, and losing emotional Al-Khulaify, 2008, p. 36).
feelings between him and his wife in degrees and
conditions that are to be explained. This is what 3- Selfishness
is known as emotional divorce. (Al-Sadhan, 2013,
p. 21). It is when both parties focus on themselves and
their interests only without regard to the feelings,
It is that state of extinction of the relationship of needs and circumstances of the other party. The
passion/sex, or its diminution to an advanced husband or wife feels unwilling to sacrifice, lacks
degree, with the addition of the accumulation of contentment with life, and regrets about getting
contradictions in expectations. The marital bond married to the other party. They get preoccupied
may appear as if it has been drained in terms of with themselves and are not committed to
passion and partnership in achieving goals alike. performing their duties towards the other party;
With this drain the contrast increases, the area of that is, their sense of responsibility towards the
intersection between the two circles of the marital other party decreases. This helps to destroy the
bond shrinks, and these two circles diverge, family structure, and selfishness is considered an
resulting in two different worlds, where each of obstacle in the way of reform between the spouses
the spouses begins to move in his own orbit on (Morsy, 1991, p. 8).
various levels and interests (Al-Sattouf, 2015, p.
23). 4- Marital Silence

JSDSES. Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 25-42 (September, 2023)

Emotional Divorce and Its Relation to Demographic Variables 30

Marital silence is one of the deadlocks in the spouses when one of the spouses submits himself
marital relationship, and it includes unwillingness to the other party and follows him wherever he
to communicate and create a conversation with goes, so he is with him and is unable to contradict
the other party. If the spouses are forced to speak him in anything. This makes the followed
to each other, it is in a sharp tone devoid of marriage boring because of this party’s negativity
friendliness, respect and appreciation. Each of and underestimation, so the other party rushes to
them tries to hurt the other by criticizing his/her search for positive interaction outside the house.
style and speech, reprimanding or questioning (Morsy, 1995, p. 128).
his/her love and sincerity (see Al-Iraqy, 2006, p.
435). 2- Lack of Empathy

5- Emotional Divorce The capacity of empathy for spouses is the ability

of each of them to put himself in the place of the
At this stage, the psychological barriers between other spouse, to feel his feelings, to share with
the spouses abound, and the treatment between him his joys and sorrows, and to appreciate his
them is characterized by coldness and intensity, concerns and ideas. The effect is mutual between
which is close to the official interaction, and not love and emotional participation, which develops
the friendly interaction that is supposed to be love between them, and love develops sympathy
between the spouses. Both spouses are alone with between them. Neglecting emotional sharing and
themselves, intending to send moral messages to emotional communication, i.e. the exchange of
each other that include hatred and lack of interest emotions by touch, or what marital counseling
in and contempt for the other party. This stage specialists call an exchange of physical affection,
also includes sexual abstinence, which leads to such as foreplay and foreplay between the
adding new problems to that collapsing spouses leads the spouses to emotional divorce
relationship, increasing the collapse. Moreover, (previous reference).
both spouses lie down alone in their own bed, and
the matter reaches estrangement, hatred and 3-Poor Sexual Compatibility
stubbornness, and the relationship becomes in a
state of emotional rupture, where each party feels Sexual incompatibility between spouses means
that he is a stranger to the other (see Al-Rashidy that either spouses or one of them does not enjoy
& Al-Khulaify, 2008, p. 176). sexual satisfaction with the other and feels
frustrated and stressed, which spoils their marital
Reasons for Emotional Divorce: relationship and negatively affects their marital
interaction in general. Many studies have
The general reasons are represented in the indicated that sexual incompatibility is behind
following: many family problems that have no relation to
sexual satisfaction, including disagreements
1- Stinginess in Feelings about aspects, habits, temperament, raising
children, etc. This is mainly because sexual
Love is affected by conformity. That is, frustration makes the reactions in marital
conformity in marital life is the striving of both interaction unfriendly, and may lead to discord
spouses to realize, believe, and act in a direction and conflict between the spouses. (Morsy, 1995,
in which they agree with the other spouse. In p. 118).
addition, marital interaction is badly affected
when one of the spouses is not compliant, so the 4-The Economic, Environmental and
other feels a lack of interest, negativity, lack of Intellectual Level
interaction, and rushes to search for positive
interaction outside the house. Overconformity has The economic status of the spouses is an
a great impact on the interaction between the important factor in marital relations, as disputes
JSDSES. Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 25-42 (September, 2023)
Mennatullah Muhammad Nasr Al-Moselhy et al. 31

often arise between the spouses over financial 1- The Infantile and Immature Responses of
matters that the spouses cannot afford. In other the Spouses
words, economic pressures have a negative
impact on the spouses, and often lead to feelings When marital life that is not based on
of pessimism and depression, making the spouses compatibility, the responses of spouses to crises
less stable emotionally, which leads to many are infantile and immature. That is to say, either
disputes between them. Shen Lu (2005) points out both spouses or one of them is affected by the
the importance of economic factors in the stability stressful event, and perceives it and interprets it
of marriage, which coincide with the absence of as children, such as excessive emotionality,
an emotional relationship between the spouses. irresponsible reactions, and lack of interest which
Furthermore, the intellectual and social aspect results in exaggeration of anger, fear, or
plays an important role in the marital relationship, withdrawal. In this case, the spouses are
which contributes to encouraging the spouses to preoccupied with the crisis more than they think
speak, discuss, and the share concepts and about resolving it, and they resort to
opinions adopted by each of them, and hence this psychological tricks to justify the failure. They
enhances the emotional aspects between them. also resort to anger and become tense and
Nevertheless, the extreme difference in distressed (Morsy, 1995, p. 205).
intellectual factors between spouses may lead to
conflicts and disagreements (Mansour, 2009, p. 2- The Effect of Mental Illness
45).
Mental illnesses lead to severe disturbances in
Researchers also noticed that marriage in urban perception and thinking, or in the basic mental
areas differs from rural ones in that it is more ability to distinguish between reality and
concerned with the economic level, appearances imagination, and they constitute a general health
and social status in a greater way, and gives less problem and are characterized by the presence of
attention to emotion. The husband continues to internal conflicts and rifts in personal
work so as to maintain the same level; in most relationships. They are also characterized by the
cases, the wife is also working and work is an presence of many other symptoms, the most
essential part for her. This, in turn, leads to a loss important of which are physical diseases of
of family warmth and a weakening of the psychological origin (such as high blood
relationship between them (Shaimaa Muhammad, pressure and diabetes), anxiety, feelings of
2022: p. 125). depression, oversensitivity, unreasonable
doubts, obsessive-compulsive disorder,
5- Woman’s Work pathological fears, sleep disturbances, or eating
disorders. All of this does not help good sound
A woman’s work may be a factor in negative communication and interaction between spouses
interaction and family disintegration, as it (Mossa, 2008: p. 154).
depends on the mature personality of the wife and
her understanding of her other marital The high level of depression leads to cognitive
responsibilities. It also depends on the maturity of distortion of many facts in the marital
the husband’s personality, encouragement for his relationship, which results in an imbalance in the
wife, his satisfaction with her work, and the family climate and poor marital compatibility
suitability of her work for her feminine nature and (Saleh, 2004: p. 28).
family circumstances (Anwar Majeed, 2012:
443). 3- Jealousy

Here are some of the psychological reasons that It is one of the diseases that afflict marital life,
lead to emotional divorce: whether from the wife or from the husband.
Jealousy in itself is a characteristic and a feeling
JSDSES. Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 25-42 (September, 2023)
Emotional Divorce and Its Relation to Demographic Variables 32

that is required between the spouses, as it is to the behavior of children because of his
evidence of love. However, it has natural limits; upbringing, which did not accustom him to
if it goes beyond them it, it becomes destructive relying on himself and taking responsibility. In
for both parties. If jealousy increases, it will the light of this fact, he is always attached to his
immediately turn into suspicion and distrust, and family and his mother in meeting his needs.
if doubt increases, obsessive thoughts increase According to his opinion, it is assumed that his
that force a person to do certain actions while he wife’s nature is like that of his mother, so he
is not satisfied with them. Nevertheless, he is depends on her completely; however, the nature
forced to do so, and he may denounce and regret of the wife differs from that of the mother.
them (Al-Iraqy, 2006: p. 75). Therefore, the wife often revolts in the face of
the spoiled immature husband, and turmoil
4- Domination and Love of Control occurs between them. Besides, if he encounters
problems, he quickly collapses, is unable to act,
There is a type of wives who likes to dominate and rushes to his mother asking her for help.
and control her husband, and to always be in the From an emotional point of view, he is inclined
forefront in the family and her husband comes in to possession and jealousy, and is always
the second place. One notices her interrupting comparing between his wife, mother, and sister.
her husband while speaking and opposes his He is also always proud that he is the son of such
views or diminishes their importance. She and such a family, and he suffers from a strong
always shows her husband’s faults and criticizes inferiority complex that pushes him to
him for the slightest mistake he makes. Above overcompensate (Abdullah, 2004: p. 433).
all, she is characterized by talkativeness and love
of argument and debate in many matters that are Impacts of Emotional Divorce:
often trivial (Abdullah, 2004: p. 431).
If the marital relationship is based on love and
5-Anger friendship, then the warmth of feelings flutters
over it, reviving hearts, illuminating eyes, and
Frequent anger attacks (tantrums) kill the one avoiding homes from the specter of destruction
who has them and turn one’s life into hell. Over and dissolution. That is, each party turns a blind
time, they lead to apathy with the other party and eye to the mistakes of the other party, closes its
turn love into hatred, and life turns into a eyes to seeing its mistakes, and deafens the ear
terrifying nightmare. The pressures of life are to track its missteps. This is what is understood
one of the causes of anger attacks and feelings of from the words of the Prophet- may Allah bless
tension for humans. Women are more prone to him and grant him peace: (Your love for
anger attacks because of the nervous, mental and something blinds and deafens). However, if the
physical exertion they are exposed to. Anger feelings dried up, life turns upside down. Small
may arise from failure, boredom or the inability things are magnified; virtues are exaggerated;
to adapt to reality or failure to change bad aspects homes become ruined caves for its people; and
of the other party. Sometimes the wife gets angry love is replaced by hate, affection is by
in order to draw her husband's attention because contempt, and mercy by torment. (Youssef,
of his neglect and preoccupation, or vice versa, 2002, p. 332).
or the husband gets angry to assure himself that
he is still in control in front of a wife with a 1- Impact on the Spouses (Psychologically,
strong, authoritarian personality (Mansour, Emotionally and Healthily):
2009, p. 100).
The failure of the spouses in the emotional
6- Immature Husband relationship inevitably leads to a weakening of
their psychological stability, as studies indicate
The behavior of this type of husbands is similar that individuals who faced difficulties in the field
JSDSES. Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 25-42 (September, 2023)
Mennatullah Muhammad Nasr Al-Moselhy et al. 33

of marital emotional relations were less stable have difficulty regulating feelings will have
than others (Davidoff, 1983, p. 642). problems in their relationship with others
(Amato & Booth, 2001, p. 629).
Lues (2007) indicates that emotional divorce is
one of the most difficult behaviors experienced Horney indicates that the children's feeling of
by spouses. This is because it makes marriage insecurity in their relationships with their
change from feeling satisfied and happy to parents, resulting from the emotional apathy
feeling misery. (Al-Abdaly, 2019, p. 102). between their parents, causes them anxiety and
prompts them to take various consensual
Although emotional divorce leaves its negative methods to mitigate it over time. Moreover, they
effects on both parties, it is more and more may take unrealistic idealized images of
difficult for the wife. On the one hand, she is the themselves and drown in self-pity so as to gain
most in need of passion and attention. On the people's sympathy. (Hall and Lindzey, 1969, p.
other hand, the husband can make up for what he 178).
may miss in this married life in another married
life, but the wife cannot do that. Therefore, Explanatory Theories of Emotional Divorce
emotional divorce can be considered one of the between Spouses:
most important reasons that push the wife to
betrayal-Allah forbid-even if it was not justified. First: Psychoanalytic Theory
(Meshakhas, 2020, p. 149).
Freud (1912) was the first to analyze the
2- Impact on children: emotionally incompatible marital relationship. For
an unknown reason, he considers the emotional
Emotional divorce has a negative impact on the incompatibility between the spouses as neurosis,
children, as they are who loses the most, as the i.e. a mental illness. He believes that in order to
flower of their childhood is torn apart by the treat the gloomy marital relations, it is necessary
thorns of this incurable disease. That is, it to recognize the loss of the emotionally divorced
implants its fangs and claws into the body of husband, due to his feeling of frustration
their family, turning it into a family captivating (Gottman, 1993; p. 55).
of childhood, confiscating of their beautiful Many of the subconscious fears and conflicts that
dreams, and killing their happiness. The parents exist in the marital relationship are derived from
only pay attention to the daily needs of the family early childhood relationships. This is owing to the
and are indifferent to the feelings of the children, fact that the past is very important and has a strong
which is reflected in the teenage stage in the form influence on present relationships, human feelings
of a deviation in search of the tenderness that and thoughts. They do not occur randomly, but
they lack within the family. In addition, there is they have their roots and origins in the history and
the state of anxiety that accompanies them for experiences of the individual, for the past is part
the bad and tense relations between their parents, of the present (Hady, 2012: p. 44).
which may sometimes lead to insults and According to the theory of psychoanalysis, the
beatings. Therefore, most of the children in the misery that the spouses experience, which leads to
event of emotional divorce suffer from emotional divorce, is due to the difference
depression and the inability to face life, in between emotional demands and subconscious
addition to the impression of a negative, demands. The theory emphasizes the role of
distorted image of marriage in their minds. unconscious factors in driving the individual to
(Meshakhas, 2020, pp. 149-150). choose his life partner. A young man may love a
girl because she resembles his mother, and if the
The relationship between children and parents wife is unable to play the full role of the mother
controls the ability of children to regulate their who satisfies the husband’s desires, he will feel
feelings such as anxiety and anger. Children who resentment and boredom, and emotional divorce
JSDSES. Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 25-42 (September, 2023)
Emotional Divorce and Its Relation to Demographic Variables 34

will be the end of this marriage (Kafafy, 2012). A - Criticisms that tend to humiliate the opposite
person, which leads to a weakening of the marital
relationship between the spouses, and then
avoiding the emotional relationship between
Second: The Behavioral School Theory them.
B - The emotional distance increases and isolation
Behaviorists consider marital interaction an follows between the spouses, leading to
important requirement for the occurrence of unexpected negativity between them, then the
marital compatibility through reward and separation of their thinking about their vision for
punishment. This is because the reward of the the future.
individual for a behavior often supports and C - The spouses reach a level of despair in their
strengthens it to appear again. For instance, when emotional relationships, and their inability to
the spouses interact and reinforce one another, that change this situation.
stimulates it, and hence this increases the D - When the spouses reach the point of despair,
rapprochement and marital compatibility between the sensory perception between them turns from
them. In other words, reinforcement strengthens, contentment, love, respect and psychological
supports, and proves behavior by rewarding. On stability to feelings of pain, sadness, anxiety and
the other hand, if one punishes the other or anger, and then the spouses tend to emotional
deprives him of the reward, it makes him feel divorce despite their marital bond (Gottman,
uncomfortable and the compatibility between 2000: p. 62).
them worsens. Therefore, marital compatibility
occurs if the spouses interact positively and satisfy 1- Johnson’s Theory of Emotional Divorce
each other (Hady, 2012: p. 45).
This theory is concerned with troubled marital
Third: The Theory of Social Exchange relations, and the following repercussions:
Theory Hypotheses:
This theory believes that the individual in his A - The theory assumes that when spouses slide
reciprocal relationships performs a specific down the path of emotional divorce, each spouse
activity as an optional behavior in order to obtain is closer to independence from the other. B -
a reward. Among the reasons that push the There will be a painful chaos between the spouses
individual to marry is that he naturally desires to and sadness will prevail. This reality will be
feel love, respect, affection and comfort, and this difficult for the emotionally abandoned husband,
is what marriage achieves through the relationship who wants the marriage to remain intact and
between the spouses. In addition, marriage coherent. As a result, he loses patience and suffers
achieves the material and psychological stability from psychological pressures.
of the individual, as each party feels responsible C- When an emotional divorce occurs, the
for protecting and assisting the other party. The spouses' relationship gets out of control because
desire of the individual to marry is linked to the the spouses exhibits strange behaviors that lack
desire to exchange interests for the spouses emotions.
according to the theory of social exchange D- The abandoned husband behaves in strange
(Nodelson & Notman, 1981: p. 1353). and irresponsible ways, or his style is illogical.
However, this does not mean that the spouses
Fifth: The Theory of Marital Dissolution have become aggressive, but they are in the
(Gottman, 1994) process of hating each other According to this
theory, emotional divorce is one of the most
According to this theory, there are four types of stressful psychological events of life, and these
behavior through which the occurrence of feelings may take a long time, up to more than
emotional divorce between spouses can be two years. Concerning the leaving husband who
predicted. wants to divorce himself emotionally from the
JSDSES. Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 25-42 (September, 2023)
Mennatullah Muhammad Nasr Al-Moselhy et al. 35

wife, he has a style that is characterized by control 2- It is necessary for both spouses to know each
over the situation. As for the abandoned husband, other’s psychological and physical nature, and to
he wants to do something that will attract his wife realize the differences between them, for this
to him emotionally, because of the fear and helps in understanding and explaining the
emotional pain that he feels from his wife’s problems related to emotional divorce. The
emotional separation from him. In this regard, the psychological counselor also helps the spouses to
emotionally divorced husband is the husband reach this awareness of the nature of the
from whom the wife separated, and he is the difference between them.
victim of this divorce, which hurts his feelings
and inflicts emotional pain on him (Johnson, 3- Frankness and clarity between the spouses, and
1987: 125). an attempt to understand the other’s rights, duties,
feelings, needs, thoughts, problems, and fears
2-Murray's Theory of Needs help to solve the problem of emotional divorce.

Murray believes that the psychological needs are 4- Both spouses should seek to solve problems
more ambiguous and complex than the primary before they accumulate, whether they succeed on
needs of the person. Besides, the emotional their own or through well-known counseling
needs of the spouses are the essence of mutual channels. It is better not to postpone or suppress
satisfaction between the spouses; however, feelings so that the problem does not worsen.
simultaneously they may be the basis of marital
differences (Amal Baswell, 2008: 24). 5- Knowing the emotional requirements and
needs that each spouse needs from the other. It is
wrong for a man to offer love and affection to a
3- Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial woman in the way he prefers, and vice versa.
Development
6- Each of the spouses should praise the other and
Erikson anticipated modern theories of successful express gratitude and appreciation for his actions,
marriage when he stated that intimacy makes a no matter how simple they are.
rich and meaningful marriage possible. This is
owing to the fact that intimacy generates strength 7- There should be an attempt to enjoy the
in the stage of love, in contrast to isolation that intimate relationship between the spouses, change
leads to failure to secure a close cooperative and break the usual routine in the relationship,
relationship with the husband. understand the needs of the other, and avoid
selfishness.
Some researchers, along with Erikson, assume
that all developmental crises are present in 8- Exchanging words of love, admiration, praise
marriage from its beginning, and at every stage a and gifts between the spouses.
crisis appears and its problems dominate the
spouses. It bears the possibility of positive 9- The spouses should avoid physical and verbal
interaction, so growth strengthens if the crisis is abuse, as this leads to emotional deficiency.
resolved appropriately; or the possibility of
negative interaction, then this relationship 10- The spouses should avoid the method of
weakens (Al-Dahry, 2008: p. 65). comparison because it is a method of destruction.

Methods to Overcome Emotional Divorce: 11- Reducing the excessive use of social media,
setting times for the spouses to talk, and spending
1- The spouses are to strengthen their relationship enough time together.
with Allah and observe the religious obligations.
12- Spouses' interest in personal hygiene and
JSDSES. Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 25-42 (September, 2023)
Emotional Divorce and Its Relation to Demographic Variables 36

outward appearance (Al-Nakithan et al., 2012). -Developing a material for marital counseling in
all colleges and institutes to educate young people
The following are among the most important about to get married and qualify them for this
preventive means and possible solutions to reduce responsibility.
the high rates of emotional divorce in our society:
-Building treatment programs that help spouses to
- Including the issue of emotional divorce within deal with the problems they face, and work on
the educational and curricula in a more concerned distributing these programs to the Sharia Court
way that illustrates the seriousness of emotional and delivering them to those planning to get
divorce in particular and its negative impact on married. (Mansour, 2009, p. 191).
the individual, family and society.
-Dedicating offices in the courts to follow up on
-Developing an integrated national policy such cases, similar to the offices of family
concerned with addressing the causes and guidance, but specialized in cases of emotional
motives leading to divorce of all kinds in society. divorce, working to re-strengthening marital life.

-Activating the role of social and psychological -Establishing centers or institutions concerned
service represented by the social worker and the with following up on the actual pre-divorce stage.
psychologist through consulting offices to reduce (Gharabawi, 2020, p. 492).
divorce in general and emotional divorce, and
studying its cases by social and psychological -Having a competent authority to approve the
specialists. It is better to make these counseling spouses to complete the marriage in the event that
offices available to those wishing to marry on a they are psychologically and mentally
compulsory basis, as no marriage contract is rehabilitated for this responsibility, and to work
concluded before making sure that the test is to increase awareness significantly for those who
decided for the spouses to ensure a more stable did not obtain approval for applying again.
marital life.
-Suggesting programs to raise awareness about
.-Focusing on the visual, audio and print media how to choose a life partner, the importance of the
and providing marriage counseling programs in environment surrounding each of them and
order to spread awareness in society. equality in all respects for a more stable life.
(Abdo et al., 2022, p. 130).
-Raising the level of knowledge of the spouses
because of its fundamental impact on reducing the Literature Review
phenomenon of emotional divorce.
There are studies that deals with the issue of
-Establishing counseling centers specialized in emotional divorce, including the following:
marital relations, providing counseling services
before and after marriage to solve the problem of Al-Shawashra and Heba Abdel Rahman (2018)
emotional divorce. (Al-Hijlah, 2020, pp. 151- aim at revealing the level of emotional separation
152) and its relationship to irrational thoughts among
married couples. The study sample consisted of
-Developing counseling and awareness programs 242 married individuals. The results of the study
to be carried out by all relevant institutions, and shows that the level of emotional divorce and the
adopting institutions that work to provide advice level of irrational thoughts came within the
and guidance, whether for those about to get “lower level”. The results also indicates that there
married or married couples who face family were no statistically significant differences
problems (Al-Najdawi, 2016, p. 65). according to the variables of sex and duration of
marriage, while there were statistically significant
JSDSES. Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 25-42 (September, 2023)
Mennatullah Muhammad Nasr Al-Moselhy et al. 37

differences according to the educational level sex (male and female). The study was applied to
variable. a sample of 100 husbands and wives, and the
results indicates that there is no emotional divorce
Afraa and Al-Obeidy (2015) seek to identify among the sample, and there are no statistically
emotional divorce in the light of some variables significant differences between the average males
among married students at the University of and females.
Baghdad, as well as to identify the differences in
emotional divorce among students according to Al-Ghamdi, Halima, Al-Sumairi and Dalia
the variables of gender (male - female), the (2020) aim to identify the level of emotional
duration of marriage, economic status, and age divorce among a sample of married women in the
difference. The study sample consisted of 150 city of Jeddah, within a sample of 623 married
married male and female students. The results of women. The results shows that there are no
the study shows that there are differences in differences in the total score of emotional divorce
emotional divorce according to the variable of the and the educational and economic level variable.
duration of marriage, and that married students However, there are differences in emotional
with poor economic status are more emotionally divorce due to the wife's job in favor of the
divorced than those married with good economic employed wives.
status. However, the results did not show any
differences in emotional divorce between the Wafaa Sabr and Bushra Enad (2015) aim at
sexes. identifying emotional divorce among different
social segments in Iraqi society, within a sample
Al-Fatlawy and Jabbar (2012) tackle emotional of 100 female employees and housewives. The
divorce and its relationship to the lifestyles of results indicated a high rate of emotional divorce
married employees in state departments. The among female employees compared to
study sample consisted of 300 (married) male and housewives.
female employees and employees. The results of
the study revealed a low level of emotional Results
divorce among them, as well as statistically
significant differences in emotional divorce * Results of the first hypothesis:
according to the gender variable (male and
female) in favor of females. The first hypothesis states that “there is no
statistically significant difference between the
Atty and Zainab (2016) aim to measure emotional mean scores of emotional divorce between
divorce among married employees in the Faculty spouses according to the gender variable”. The
of Arts, Al-Qadisiyah University, and to know the researcher uses the "t" test for the independent
statistically significant differences in the causes groups. Table 1 indicates the results of this
of emotional divorce according to the variable of hypothesis:

Table 1: Means, Standard Deviations, "T" Value and Its Level of Significance for the
Emotionally Divorced according to the Gender Variable
Sample Gender “t”
Males Females Value
Significance
Variable Level
standard standard
No. Mean No. Mean
deviation deviation
Emotional 0.58
75 135.7 17 75 134.1 16.6 insignificant
Divorce

JSDSES. Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 25-42 (September, 2023)

Emotional Divorce and Its Relation to Demographic Variables 38

It is evident from the previous table that the value and demographic variables (gender, housing,
of "t" is not statistically significant, which duration of marriage, and family size); the study
indicates that there is no statistically significant of Zainab Ati and Muhammad Jassim (2016)
difference between the mean scores of emotional which aimed to measure emotional divorce
divorce between spouses according to the gender among married employees, and the study
variable. concludes that there are no statistically significant
differences between the average males and
This result is consistent with the study of Hady females; the study of Al-Obaidi (2015), which
(2010), which reveals the presence of emotional indicates that there is no emotional divorce
divorce in both sexes, male and female, to the between the sexes; and the study of Baswell
same degree. However, it differs with the study of (2008), which indicates that there were no
Al-Fatlawy (2012), which reveals the existence of statistically significant differences between male
differences in emotional divorce according to and female employees on the emotional divorce
gender and in favor of females. This may be due scale.
to the fact that the feeling of emotional divorce
and the behavior associated with it is not limited * Results of the second hypothesis:
to gender, as both the male and the female affect
and are affected by the other, and what one of The second hypothesis states that “there is no
them feels and translates into behavior is reflected statistically significant difference between the
negatively or positively on the other party. mean scores of emotional divorce between
Moreover, it is consistent with the study of spouses according to the environment variable
Shaimaa Mohamed (2022), which concludes that (rural - urban)”. The researcher uses the "t" test
there is no correlation between the dimensions of for the independent groups. Table 2 indicates the
emotional divorce (economic communication) results of this hypothesis:

Table 2: Means, Standard Deviations, "T" Value and Its Level of Significance for the
Emotionally Divorced according to the Environment Variable (Rural - Urban)
Sample Gender “t”
Rural Urban Value
Significance
Variable Level
standard standard
No. Mean No. Mean
deviation deviation
Emotional 13.6
40 114.2 9.9 110 142.4 11.7 0.01
Divorce

It is evident from the previous table that the value the idea of the importance of having a husband
of "t" is statistically significant at the level of and an existing marital life, even if it is not a
0.01, which indicates a statistically significant happy one.
difference between the average degrees of
emotional divorce between spouses according to This result is consistent with the study of Shaima
the environment variable (rural - urban) in favor Mohamed et al. (2022), which reveals that there
of urban areas. The result of this hypothesis, are statistically significant differences between
which showed that the percentage of emotional the mean scores of the study sample (rural /
divorce is greater for those who are emotionally urban) on the emotional divorce scale, in favor of
divorced in urban areas from the rural ones, can the urban sample. The study also indicates that
be interpreted in the light that this is due to the marriage in urban areas differs from rural ones, as
inherited culture in the countryside that sanctifies it is more concerned with the economic level and

JSDSES. Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 25-42 (September, 2023)

Mennatullah Muhammad Nasr Al-Moselhy et al. 39

what the husband will offer to his wife during the * Results of the third hypothesis:
proposal of marriage. They also pay attention to
the social level of the two families, look for The third hypothesis states that “there is no
appearances and social status in a greater way, statistically significant difference between the
and give less attention to affection. The husband mean scores of emotional divorce between
continues to work, and in most cases the mother spouses according to the education variable
is a worker, and work is an essential part for her, (educated - illiterate)”. The researcher uses the
which makes them absent from home for a longer "t" test for the independent groups. Table 3
time. As a result, the relationship between the indicates the results of this hypothesis:
spouses weakens, and then the emotional gap
between them increases, and the matter reaches
emotional or formal divorce.

Table 3: Means, Standard Deviations, "T" Value and Its Level of Significance for the
Emotionally Divorced according to the Education Variable (Educated - Illiterate)

Sample Gender
Educated illiterate “t” Significance
Value Level
Variable standard standard
No. Mean No. Mean
deviation deviation
Emotional
40 114.2 9.9 110 142.4 11.7 13.6 0.01
Divorce

It is evident from the previous table that the value significant differences were found according to
of "t" is statistically significant at the level of the educational level variable in favor of holders
0.01, which indicates that there is a statistically of a master’s degree or higher, followed by a
significant difference between the mean scores of bachelor’s degree.
emotional divorce between spouses according to
the education variable (educated - illiterate) in This indicates that the breadth and flexibility of
favor of the educated. thinking, the presence of love between the
spouses, and the wife's desire for the success of
The result of this hypothesis, which showed that her marriage may reduce the importance of the
the educated are higher in the percentage of educational qualification in the event that
emotional divorce than the illiterate, can be previous components are not available. This
interpreted as a result that marriage for the differs with the study Rania Mosaad (2019), as
educated is not a marriage that aims at economic the results of the study shows that there are no
security but rather at emotional and social statistically significant differences in the scores of
security. In addition, educated spouses are more emotional divorce among the sample that are
aware of their marital and emotional rights, and attributed to the variable of academic
therefore have the ability to realize the existence qualification.
of a defect in the marital relationship, which leads
to emotional divorce, and the matter may reach * Results of the fourth hypothesis
actual divorce.
The fourth hypothesis states that “there is no
It is consistent with the study of Al-Shawashra statistically significant difference between the
and Abdel-Rahman, (2018), as statistically mean scores of working and non-working

JSDSES. Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 25-42 (September, 2023)

Emotional Divorce and Its Relation to Demographic Variables 40

wives in emotional divorce”. The researcher 4 indicates the results of this hypothesis:
uses the "t" test for the independent groups. Table
Table 4: Means, Standard Deviations, "T" Value and Its Level of Significance for the
Emotionally Divorced according to Woman’s Work Variable (Working – Non-working)
Gender “t”
Sample Value
Working Non-working Significance
Level
Variable standard standard
No. Mean No. Mean
deviation deviation
Emotional
38 144.8 12.8 32 122 12.3 7.5 0.01
Divorce

It is evident from the previous table that the value husband’s needs, thus creating a spirit of
of "t" is statistically significant at the level of cooperation and a sense of the other party.
0.01, which indicates that there is a statistically
significant difference between the mean scores of Moreover, the wife’s work may be a factor in the
working and non-working wives in emotional negative interaction and tension in the marital and
divorce in favor of working wives. emotional relationship. It depends on the mature
personality of the wife, her understanding of her
The result of this hypothesis, which showed that other marital responsibilities, the maturity of the
the percentage of emotional divorce among husband’s personality, his encouragement to his
working wives is higher than that of non-working wife, his satisfaction with her work, his
ones, can be interpreted in the light that this is due agreement with her on financial matters, and the
to the neglect of some wives of their husbands, suitability of her work for her feminine nature and
because the working wife suffers from the family circumstances (Meshakhas, 2020).
multiplicity of roles assigned to her, whether at
home or work, and her role as a wife. This, in turn, Recommendations:
leads to severe psychological pressure that leads
to emotional divorce. It may also be due to the 1- Conducting more in-depth studies and research
factor of dependence; that is, the husband’s on the phenomenon of emotional divorce.
dependence on his wife financially, as a result of
the husband’s low income compared to his wife, 2- Establishing counseling centers specialized in
which makes the husband’s image shake in the marital relations, where they provide counseling
eyes of his wife, and then she loses passion services before and after marriage in order to
towards him, and the marital relationship is reduce the rate of emotional divorce.
affected up to emotional divorce. This result
agrees with the study Wafaa Saber and Bushra 3- Guiding soon-to-be married couples with the
Enad, (2015), which indicates a high rate of techniques of marital life and strategies to face
emotional divorce among female employees, and potential problems that may lead to emotional
this affects the high rate of emotional divorce divorce.
among female employees. This is due to their
preoccupation most of the time with work, which References
leads to disharmony and negative distancing
between them and their husbands. As for non- Abdo, S. M., et al. (2022). Emotional divorce is a
working wives, they have a lower rate of determinant of fear and failure among a
emotional divorce because they have enough time sample of children. Journal of Environmental
to consult with their husbands and meet the Sciences, 51.

JSDSES. Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 25-42 (September, 2023)

Mennatullah Muhammad Nasr Al-Moselhy et al. 41

Abdullah, M. Q. (2004). Introduction to Mental Saudi Arabia.

Health (2nd ed.). Jordan: Al-Fikr House for Al-Sattouf, L. (2015). Emotional separation
Publishing and Distribution. between spouses and its relationship to
Abu Zant, M. (2016). Divorce, causes and depression and anxiety among adolescent
consequences from the point of view of children (A master's thesis). Faculty of
divorced women: A field study in Nablus Education, Damascus University.
Governorate. Al-Najaj National University, Amato, P. R., & Hohmann-Marriott, B. (2007). A
Nablus, Palestine. comparison of high- and low-distress
Adel, D. P. (2022). The relative contribution of marriages that end in divorce. Journal of
marital adjustment and social support to the Marriage and Family, 69(3), 621–638.
level of psychological well-being of working https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-
women. Journal of the Faculty of Arts Port 3737.2007.00396.x
Said University, 19(19), 858:912. Amin, A. F. (2012). Some variables of positive
Al-Abdaly, S. B. H. (2019). Emotional changeability and emotional receptivity.
intelligence and its relationship to both self- Cairo University.
actualization and marital adjustment among Basweel, A. A. A. (2008). Marital compatibility
a sample of married teachers in the city of and its relationship to expected and actual
Makkah Al-Mukarramah (A master’s thesis). satisfaction of mutual emotional needs
College of Education, Umm Al-Qura between spouses (A master's thesis). Imam
University. Muhammad Saud Islamic University, College
Al-Akhras, M. S. (1980). Demography, of Social Sciences, Riyadh.
development issues and planning. Davidoff, L. (1983). An introduction to
Publications of the Ministry of Culture and psychology (S. Al-Tawab, et al. Trans.).
National Guidance, Damascus. Cairo: International Publishing House.
Al-Baz, S. M. (2019). Strategies of marital Gharbawi, F. (2020) Emotional divorce between
adjustment with emotional divorce among a the spouses from the perspective of the wife
sample of spouses in Ramallah and Al-Bireh in the Emirati family, “The application of
Governorate (A master’s thesis). Al-Quds Hochly’s emotional work theory”. Journal of
Open University, Palestine. Arts Emirates, 133.
Al-Dahry, S. H. (2008). The basics of marriage Gottman, J. M. (1993). A theory of marital
and family counseling. Amman: Safaa House dissolution and stability. Journal of Family
for Publishing and Distribution. Psychology, 7(1), 57-75.
Al-Hajla, Y. M. (2020). Emotional divorce. Gottman, J., & Silver, N. (1999). The seven
Journal of Social Work, 63, Part 1. principles for making marriage work. Crown
Al-Iraqy, B. A. (2006). A married life without Publishers imprint (Three Rivers Press).
problems (1st ed.). Riyadh: Tawil Publishing Hady, A. M. (2012a). Emotional divorce and its
House. relationship to self-efficacy among families in
Al-Naqeethan, I, B, H., et al. (2012). The problem the city of Baghdad (1st ed.). Beirut: Dar Al-
of emotional divorce and how the family Nahda
counselor deals with it, Family Guidance Hady, A. M. (2012b). Reasons for emotional
Guide, Part Six. Riyadh: King Fahd National divorce among Iraqi families according to
Library. some variables. Alustath Journal, (201), 435-
Al-Rashidy, B. S. & Al-Khulaify, I. M. (2008). 462.
Family and parental psychology. Kuwait: Hall, C. & Lindzey, G. (1969). Theories of
Enjaz International Company for Publishing personality (F. Ahmed et al. Trans.). Cairo:
and Distribution. Al-Fikr Arab House.
Al-Sadhan, A., et al. (2013). The problem of Henry, L. (2019). Demography: Analysis and
emotional divorce and how the family guide models. Arab Center for Research and Policy
deals with it. King Fahd National Library, Studies, Algeria.
JSDSES. Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 25-42 (September, 2023)
Emotional Divorce and Its Relation to Demographic Variables 42

Johnson, S. M. (1987). Narcisstic personality Nodelson, C., & Notman, T. (1981). To marry or
disorder, humanizing the narcissitic style. not marry. American Journal of Psychiatry,
New York: Norton. 138(10), 1352–1356.
Kafafy, A. (2012). Mental health and doi:10.1176/ajp.138.10.1352
psychological counseling (1st ed.). Jordan: Al- Saleh. A. H. (2004). Marital flexibility and its
Karmel House for Publishing and relationship to social emotional needs and
Distribution. depression among married couples of both
Mansour, A. F. (2009). Factors affecting sexes. Journal of the Faculty of Education
emotional separation between spouses and its Mansoura University, (56).
implications from the point of view of a Shaima Mohammed Abdo, et al. (2022).
sample of wives in Jordan (Doctoral Emotional divorce as one of the determinants
dissertation). Amman Arab University, of fear and sadness among a sample of
Amman, Jordan. children:A comparative study between rural
Mansour, A. F. (2009). Factors affecting and urban areas. Journal of Environmental
emotional separation between spouses and its Sciences Ain Shams University, 51(2), Part 1.
implications from the point of view of a Souliman, S. M. (2015). Marriage compatibility
sample of wives in Jordan (A doctoral thesis). and family stability from an Islamic,
Amman Arab University, Amman, Jordan. psychological and social perspective (1st ed.).
Meshakhas, Y. M. (2020). Emotional divorce. Cairo: Alam Al-Kotob for Publishing,
Journal of Social Work Helwan University, Distribution and Printing.
61(1). 137-155. Youssef, R. (2002). The emotional aspect and its
Morsy, K. I. (1991). Marital relationships and impact on family stability. Department of
mental health in Islam and psychology (1st Advocacy and Culture, College of Sharia and
ed.). Kuwait: Al-Qalam House for Publishing Law, Qatar.
and Distribution. Zaatar, W. (2012). Compatibility between
Morsy, K. I. (1995). Marital relationship and spouses, its methods, obstacles and effect on
mental health in Islam and psychology (2nd children. Gaza: Dar Al-Ilm and Al-Iman for
ed.). Kuwait: Al-Qalam House for Publishing Publishing and Distribution.
and Distribution.
Mossa, R. A. A. (2008). The psychology of
prisoner oppression (1st ed.). Cairo: Alam Al-
Kotob Publishing House.

JSDSES. Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 25-42 (September, 2023)