Generational and Gender Psychological Differences in Attitudes Towards Marriage: a Comparison of Iranian Youth Born in the 1980s and 1990s

Subject Areas : Journal of Excellence in Counseling and Psychotherapy

Nastaran Fekri ¹ , Sedigheh Heydari ² , Mahdizade Mahdizade Noudehi ³

1 - Department of Psychology, E-Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2 -
3 - Department of Psychology, E-Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

Received: 2025-06-28 Accepted : 2025-08-23 Published : 2025-09-21

Keywords: Marriage, attitude measurement, single girls and boys.,

Abstract :

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to analyze generational and gender psychological differences in attitudes towards marriage by targeting young Iranians born in the 1981s and 2001s.

Methodology: This study, using a descriptive-comparative method and sampling from university youth, analyzed generational and gender differences in cognitive, emotional, and behavioral components of attitudes toward marriage. Data were collected using the "Attitudes toward Marriage Assessment" checklist (2024) and analyzed with appropriate statistical methods (univariate and multivariate analysis of variance).

Findings: The findings showed that the attitudes of single girls and boys towards marriage differed significantly with respect to generational, gender and demographic variables (P<0.01, P<0.05). Differences were observed in the perception of obstacles and solutions to facilitate marriage between the generations of the 1981s and 2001s (P<0.01, P<0.05), but no significant difference was observed regarding positive outcomes (P>0.05). The new generation had an analytical, individualistic and conditional view of marriage, while the previous generation adopted a more traditional and collectivist attitude. These findings confirmed the research hypotheses.

Conclusion: The research findings indicate a profound transformation in the new generation's attitude towards marriage and a transition from traditional values ​​to modern, analytical, and participatory approaches. Generational and gender differences in attitudes towards marriage highlight the need to review cultural, educational, and counseling policies.

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