Introduction
According to Matoo & Ashai, divorce is described as a situation where a married couple terminates their union and forfeits their legal duties towards one another (2012). Divorce is known to have a heavy toll on women emotionally, economically and psychologically (Al-Krenawi & Graham, 1998). Further studies reveal that the perception of divorce, among women, differs from country to country. In Western nations for example, United States, women perceive divorce as the loss of emotional and economic support and a partner who was a part of the house or family (Matoo & Ashai, 2012).
There are several studies that have been carried out in relation to divorce. Some studies, on the effects of divorce on the women, have been carried out in different parts of the world (Aghajanian & Moghadas, 1998). Moreover, the research on divorce has focused on the causes and aftermath of divorce (Cohen & Savaya, 1997). Therefore, though extensive research has been done on the causes and effects of divorce, little has been done on the effects of a Libyan woman perception of divorce on her mental health (Palmer & Buit, 2012).
A study done by Lorenz et al shows that divorce causes long-term depression among women (2006). Further research reveal that Libyan women suffer a lot from the stigma that is associated with divorce. One of the major causes of this mental suffering is the opinion they have on divorce. Therefore, this research endeavors to unravel the link between perception on divorce and depression rate
Purpose of Study
The major objective of this study is to show the view of Libyan women on divorce and whether the view affects their mental health.
Research Questions
This research study is carried out on the basis of several questions. The questions are how do women perceive divorce? Does their perception affect their mental health? How are divorced women perceived in the Libyan society? Do the community’s social attitudes vary between married and divorced women?
Use of grounded theory will help to shape the purpose of the research and research question in various ways. Grounded theory, unlike traditional ways of research, involves the deduction of theory from data. The data usually comes first before the hypotheses of research are given. It involves induction and not deduction (Egan, 2002). Therefore, grounded theory helps to shape research questions since it does not involve coming up with a theory, rather through the data, the questions and purpose of the research are developed. While undertaking this research, using grounded theory approach, one does not need to have past literature on it, but by using experience, materials and analytical ability it is possible to formulate the questions and purpose of the study according to the type of information available (Egan, 2002).
Earlier on it was stated that grounded theory develops its hypotheses from data. After analysis of the data, a hypothesis can be developed. Thus, the data collected assists in the developing of a trend. This trend helps to know the exact direction of the research helping in coming up with a clear purpose of the research. So, as a clear theory emerges so does the research questions and purpose of research (Egan, 2002).
Theoretical Sampling
The sample size and subjects in this research kept on changing as it advanced and narrowed down to a definite theory. All the subjects, after some time, were Libyan women who had been divorced and were suffering from depression.
It is usually impossible to come up with a sampling strategy in the initial stages of grounded theory. However, when using this theory, theoretical sampling is usually used. Theoretical sampling is described
as a process of data collection for generating theory whereby the analyst jointly collects, codes and analyzes data and decides what data to collect next and where and find them in order to develop his or her theory as it emerges (Egan, 2002, 282).
In this study, the data was collected and analyzed, for the development of a trend. It is this trend that influences the location the data will be collected and the people who will take part in the research. In the grounded theory, the sampling is bound to changes depending on the trend given after collection and coding of the data (Locke, 2001).
Conceptual framework of Grounded Theory and its Influence on Data Collection, Aims and Research Question
As stated earlier, grounded theory is different from the traditional methods of carrying out research. It is more of an inductive rather then deductive method. It involves the development of a theory from the data collected and coded. Therefore, the data is collected first and from it the hypotheses are developed (Charmaz, 2000). This theory shapes the data collection, aims, research question and sampling strategy.
The main method of data collection used in this research is interviews. Different women are interviewed. In the initial stages of the research, the interview questions will be broad, for example, “What are the effects of divorce on you and the children?” Data collection is intertwined with analysis. Hence, all the data collected are analyzed and a trend is created.
The data retrieved from the first interview is then supplemented by data collected from observation and the interview of men. As a clear theory develops, the questionnaire will narrow down to specific questions for example, “What is your perception of divorce?”
With regard to shaping of the aim, this theory develops the aims from general to specific ones. This comes about as more data is collected and analyzed or coded. On the other hand, the sampling technique is greatly influenced by this theory. Rather than coming up with a definite sample, this theory shapes the sampling technique in such a way that the sample location and subjects changes as more data is collected and analyzed. This is also true for the research question. It only becomes definite as more data is analyzed and trend established. As the aims of the research are developed, the questions are also established to fit it.
Knowledge and Output of Research
Grounded theory shapes this output by engaging varied resources which lead to the narrowing down of the research after data collection and coding. After several interviews, with comparisons from other sources, the relationship between Libyan women perception on divorce and depression becomes clear.
References:
Aghajanian, A., & Moghadas, A. A. (1998). Correlates and Consequences of Divorce In An Iranian City. Journal of Divorce & Remarriage, 28(3-4), 53-71.
Al-Krenawi, A., & Graham, J. R. (1998). Divorce among Muslim Arab Women in Israel. Journal of Divorce & Remarriage, 29(3-4), 103-119.
Charmaz, K. (2000). Grounded theory: Objectivist and constructivist methods. In N. K. Denzin & Y. S. Lincoln (Eds.), Handbook of qualitative research (2nd ed., pp. 509-536). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Cohen, O., & Savaya, R. (1997). “Broken Glass”: The Divorced Woman in Moslem Arab Society in Israel. Family process, 36(3), 225-245.
Egan, T.M. (2002). Grounded Theory Research and Theory Building. Advances in Developing Human Resources, 4(3), 277-295
Locke, K. D. (2001). Grounded Theory in Management Research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Lorenz, F.O. et al. (2006). The Short-Term and Decade-Long Effects of Dovorce on Women's Midlife Health. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 47(2), 111-125
Mattoo, N. H., & Ashai, Y. (2012). A Study on Impact of Divorce upon the Attitude and Social Relations of Women in Srinagar District. Studying Home Communication Science, 6(2), 113-120
Palmer, R.L. & Buit, C.E. (2012). The Health Effects Of Divorce Can Be Both Detrimental And Beneficial.
Taylor, R., & Andrews, B. (2009). Parental Depression In The Context Of Divorce And The Impact On Children. Journal of Divorce & Remarriage, 50(7), 472-480.
