PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT OF MARRIAGE ON WOMEN’S SENSE OF IDENTITY - AN INTERPRETATIVE PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY

Abstract

This qualitative study, titled "Psychosocial Impact of Marriage on Women's Sense of Identity," explores the profound transformations experienced by married women within Pakistan's predominantly patriarchal society. Marriage, a significant developmental milestone, instigates complex social and biological changes that critically impact women's mental and social well-being, often reshaping their identity and self-perception. Utilizing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), in-depth interviews were conducted with six middle-class women residing in urban Pakistani cities, all belonging to joint family systems. The analysis revealed five interconnected master themes: Compromised Personal Agency, Post-Marital Identity Shift, Varied Marital-Familial Dynamics, Role Conflict Management, and Psychosocial Distress Management. Findings indicate that women frequently navigate challenging in-law relationships and a lack of spousal support, leading to diminished autonomy and increased dependence. This often results in a shift towards a relational identity, where self-worth is tied to marital preservation and familial roles, sometimes at the expense of personal aspirations and broader social connections. The study underscores the significant psychosocial distress experienced due to unmet expectations, gendered role rigidity, and emotional neglect. These insights highlight the critical need for greater understanding, support, and societal shifts to empower women in navigating marital life while preserving their individual identity and well-being.