The Process of Emotional Intimacy Erosion in Couples with Chronic Conflict: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the process of emotional intimacy erosion among couples experiencing chronic marital conflict. A qualitative design based on thematic analysis was employed. The participants included 18 individuals from couples referred to family counseling centers in Tehran, selected through purposeful sampling until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using NVivo software. The findings indicated that emotional intimacy erosion was experienced through themes such as communication exhaustion, gradual emotional shutdown, perceived emotional neglect, and the cycle of conflict and distancing. The results showed that persistent unresolved conflicts, poor empathic communication, and reduced emotional validation contributed to emotional distancing and loneliness within the marital relationship. Accordingly, reconstructing emotional interactions and strengthening communication skills appear essential in couple therapy.