The number of reported marital problems has tripled since the COVID-19 Coronavirus quarantine went into effect in Iran recently, according to Behzad Vahidniya, a cognitive psychologist and an adviser to Iran’s Welfare Organization.
Dr. Vahidniya made the comments in an interview with the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) on March 31.
“A couple spend most of their time together when in quarantine and, therefore, interact more with each other, which could cause marital problems,” Dr. Vahidniya said. “Data shows that the volume of calls to the telephone advice line at the Welfare Organization has tripled since the coronavirus outbreak.”
“The telephone advice line, which opens at 8 am every day of the week, has been receiving 4,000 calls a day since the stay-at-home order went into effect,” Dr. Vahidniya noted. “Many married couples reportedly argue over hygiene, especially when one of them has to leave the house to run an errand.”
“Also, adults react differently to a crisis than children,” Dr. Vahidniya explained. “Parents might not realize that their children’s impulsive and hyperactive behavior stems from their fears and anxiety of coronavirus. As a result, they may easily lose patience with their children, which could ignite family arguments.”
“During a quarantine, children spend most of their energy at home instead of school and playground. As a result, parents might argue over how to discipline the children,” Dr. Vahidniya added.
[Translated from Persian by Fardine Hamidi]
