An Analysis of Factors Influencing Fear of Marriage in Siblings of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Based on the Sibling Embedded Systems Framework (SESF)
Keywords:
Fear of marriage, Sisters, Intellectual and developmental disability, Hamshiran Embedded Systems FrameworkAbstract
Objective: This study was conducted with the aim of analyzing the factors influencing fear of marriage in siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, based on the Sibling Embedded Systems Framework (SESF).
Methods and Materials: The research method was qualitative and followed a descriptive phenomenological approach. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews. The statistical population of this study consisted of all adult siblings of individuals with educable intellectual disabilities who were enrolled in exceptional education schools in Isfahan during the 2024–2025 academic year. The sample was selected using purposive sampling. After conducting interviews with 18 siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the influential factors contributing to fear of marriage were identified, and data saturation was achieved. Data analysis was performed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis model. To ensure the trustworthiness of the findings, Guba and Lincoln’s four criteria were applied. The findings indicated that the factors influencing fear of marriage in these siblings fell into three main themes: individual, social, and familial factors, which were further broken down into 25 sub-themes.
Findings: Based on the results, it can be asserted that attending to the lived experiences of siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities within the framework of SESF is of great significance.
Conclusion: The study identified a wide range of factors contributing to the fear of marriage in this population. Therefore, it can be concluded that any form of intervention should begin with identifying the influential factors behind this fear and proceed to design preventive strategies accordingly.
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References
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