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Shahrokhi Nia S, Marashi T, Namdari M, Shahry P. Readiness for Marriage and Contributory Factors in Premarital Counseling Attendee in Tehran, Iran. JHNM 2026; 36 (1) :63-71
URL: http://hnmj.gums.ac.ir/article-1-2201-en.html

Introduction: Marriage is a sacred institution for childbearing and is the continuation of generations. Marriage readiness is a key factor in a person’s decision to marry and an important predictor of marital satisfaction and marriage consolidation. 
Objective: This study aimed to determine the readiness for marriage in people referring to the premarital counseling centers in Tehran, Iran, and identify the associated sociodemographic factors.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 492 individuals (246 couples) who were referred to the premarital counseling centers affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in 2021. They were selected using cluster and convenience sampling methods. The instrument was the criteria for marriage readiness questionnaire (CMRQ). Statistical analyzes was done using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation test, and linear regression. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The mean age of men and women was 29.12±4.98 and 26±5.88 years, respectively. Mean total CMRQ score was 132.98±10.29. Mean score of women was significantly higher than that of men (132.98±9.40 vs 128.85±10.72; P=0.001). According to the regression analysis, female gender had a significant association with interpersonal competence (β=2.48, 95% CI; 2.0096%, 2.9504%, P=0. 013), norm compliance (β=1.10, 95% CI; 0.4336%, 1.7664%, P=0.001), role transitions (β=0.83, 95% CI; 0.0852%, 1.5748%, P=0.031) and family capacities (β=1.81, 95% CI; 1.2024%, 2.4176%, P=0.001). Employment was significantly associated with the family capacities score (β=0.82, 95% CI; 0.0984%, 1.5452%, P=0.029). There was no significant difference in total CMRQ scores by age, educational level, or occupation.
Conclusion: Given men’s lower readiness for marriage and the fact that more than half of the participants had a university education, educational interventions should be provided during the school year at universities to improve students’ readiness for marriage, especially for male students, so they receive accurate information about successful marriage. Also, by expanding marriage counseling centers and promoting their activities, we can increase the desire and readiness of young people referred to them for premarital counseling.