The Lived Experience of Divorced Women: The Processes and Outcomes of Transformative Learning

Divorce is a serious problem that directly and significantly changes the family structure. This qualitative and phenomenological study examined the lived experience of divorced women in Savadkooh (Iran) and the processes and outcomes of transformative learning (TA). A sample of 20 divorced women was purposively selected, and semi-structured interviews were conducted. The data resulting from the phenomenological interviews were analyzed with open, axial, and selective coding. The results demonstrated that a lack of life skills, addiction, people's interference, financial problems, hatred and emotional divorce, irresponsibility, illness, and infidelity were the most important causes of divorce. Critical thinking and problem-solving, personal and social resilience, financial independence, and self-awareness and emotion regulation were identified as the outcomes of divorce based on TA. These findings can motivate researchers to adopt a multidimensional and multimeaning view of divorce and encourage divorced women to face divorce, be transformed, and move on.