Applying the Family Stress Theory to Study the Vulnerability of Iranian Families: An Analysis Based on National Family Survey Data

Asadpour, Ahdieh; Rayanpour, Razieh; Mousavi, Mehri Sadat

doi:10.22059/ijsp.2026.398363.671325

Applying the Family Stress Theory to Study the Vulnerability of Iranian Families: An Analysis Based on National Family Survey Data

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Ahdieh Asadpour ¹

Razieh Rayanpour ²

Mehri Sadat Mousavi ³

¹ Assistant Professor, Department of social science education, Farhangian university, Tehran. Iran.

² Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.

³ Assistant Professor, Department of Youth and Intergenerational Relations, Institute for Humanities and Social Studies (IHSS), Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran.

10.22059/ijsp.2026.398363.671325

Abstract

The family's capacity to perform its functions and roles is significantly impaired when it faces vulnerable conditions. This study aims to apply the Family Stress Theory (ABC-X model) in analyzing the vulnerability of Iranian families. This study analyzed the vulnerability of Iranian families using data from the 2019 National Family Survey and employing secondary analysis methodology. The participants included individuals aged over 15 years residing in ordinary households in urban areas across the country. Ultimately, 5036 individuals were chosen to constitute the study sample. Analysis employing Family Stress Theory indicated that 80% of Iranian families experienced economic vulnerabilities across various dimensions as stressors (Factor A) to a moderate to very large extent. Simultaneously, in terms of internal and external resources (Factor B), 75.2% of families exhibited moderate to very large weaknesses. The third component (Factor C) involved family members' and specifically couples' perceptions of their overall marital and family life in the wake of the crisis; this indicated a negative view of marriage and marital life among approximately 83% of Iranians. Finally, moderate to very high levels of moral-behavioral instability such as lying, infidelity, distrust, and evasion of marital responsibilities, as well as domestic violence in various dimensions, are considered outcomes (Factor X) of the economic and livelihood stressors faced by Iranian families.The results underscore the necessity of practical and scientific measures implemented in a thoroughly conscious and comprehensive manner to reduce the vulnerability of Iranian families through stressor management and the strengthening of social support.

Keywords

Iranian families

Economic vulnerability

Family Stress Theory

Resilience

National Family Survey

Subjects

Sociology

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