Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran.
2
Assistant Professor, Department of Counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran.
3
Associate Professor, Department of Counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Female heads of households face a range of complex and multifaceted challenges arising from the simultaneous demands of social, familial, and occupational roles, which significantly affect their quality of life and that of their family members. This study aimed to identify the adaptability challenges these women encounter in managing their overlapping roles, using a qualitative approach and thematic analysis. The participants consisted of 12 female heads of households residing in Tehran, who were selected through purposive and convenience sampling. Inclusion criteria required participants to have held the role of head of household for at least three years, been actively employed for at least one year, and have at least one child. The data analysis led to the extraction of five main themes: role-related, health-related, family-related, sociocultural, and job-related challenges. The most prominent issues identified included role conflict, psychological stress, physical and mental health problems, family tensions, lack of social support, gender-based discrimination, and employment limitations. These findings underscore the complex living conditions of these women and highlight the urgent need for multidimensional interventions—psychological, social, and economic—to enhance their overall quality of life.
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