Navigating Life Transitions: A Qualitative Study of Divorce's Impact on Indian Men

Sunandita Das, IIPS, Mumbai

Divorce is one of life’s most stressful events, deeply impacting well-being and life circumstances. While often seen negatively, it can also foster personal growth, though men's experiences after divorce remain underexplored in Indian literature. Our research examines the full trajectory, from recognizing marital problems to rebuilding life post-divorce, emphasizing that personal transformation is an ongoing process. This study used a qualitative approach and thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) to understand men's journeys through divorce. A total 30 divorced men were interviewed through purposive sampling. We found that social support plays a crucial role in navigating divorce and personal development. Although each marriage and divorce story are unique, common issues included undisclosed mental health conditions, pressure to become resident sons-in-law, and emotional distress from false allegations and extramarital affairs, leading to anxiety and depression. Over time, most men in the study experienced personal growth, embracing singlehood and managing finances after prolonged legal battles. While many emerged stronger, a few still struggle. We highlight the potential for rebuilding a fulfilling life after loss and stress the need for protection and understanding for all, regardless of gender.

Keywords: Families, Unions and Households, Qualitative data/methods/approaches, Gender Dynamics

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