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Marital experience and challenges of women with disabilities in Saudi Arabia: A phenomenological study

Yasir A. Alsamiri(1), Ayesha Alnemah Alaghdaf(2), Basheer A. Allouash(3), Ibraheem M. Alsawalem(4), Seham D. Alfaidi(5), Malik A. Hussain(6),


(1) Department of Education - Islamic University of Madinah, Madinah City, Saudi Arabia
(2) Department of Psychology University of Hail, Hail City, Saudi Arabia
(3) Department of Social Work, University of Hail, Hail City, Saudi Arabia
(4) Department of Special Education, University of Hail, Hail City, Saudi Arabia
(5) Department of Psychology, Hafr Al Batin University, Saudi Arabia
(6) Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia
Corresponding Author

Abstract


Women with disabilities, like all women, deserve equal opportunities for marriage. However, their experiences within marriage remain unclear, making it difficult to effectively address the issue. This qualitative study aims to explore the marriage experiences of women with disabilities in Saudi Arabia. The study utilized a developed semi-structured interview to collect data from eight participants registered with a private association in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data analysis followed the six-step Braun and Clarke (2006) model. The study found that some women with disabilities have positive marriage experiences, but they also face societal negativity regarding their right to marry. Additionally, the support from families and partners is often insufficient. Legal and financial challenges also hinder marital stability. The research area is extremely important due to its impact on the physical and psychological health of women with disabilities, as well as on society. The article concludes by discussing implications for practices and future research.

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