Navigating Marital Dynamics in Pakistan: The Interplay of Interpersonal Patterns and Sociocultural Influences.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the impact of interpersonal patterns and sociocultural forces on marital relationships in Pakistan, employing the Interpersonal Patterns (IP) Scope framework to examine pathologizing, healing, and wellness patterns. It specifically analyses cultural values, gender-role dynamics, and economic dependency. METHODS: A qualitative research design was adopted. Data were collected through interviews with seven heterosexual married couples in Pakistan between December 2023 and January 2025. Couples were aged 25-45 years to focus on contemporary marriages. Purposive sampling ensured diversity in economic status, family circumstances, and age. Thematic analysis using NVivo software was conducted to categorise data into pathologizing, healing, and wellness patterns, along with sociocultural influences. RESULTS: Marital distress stemmed from three pathologizing patterns: power dynamics, familial intervention, and emotional distress. Healing patterns-including mutual support, effective communication, and conflict management-enabled couples to reconnect. Wellness patterns of trust, mutual respect, and quality time fostered marital satisfaction. Sociocultural factors such as traditional gender roles, social media, and religious practices were found to both support and hinder marital relationships. CONCLUSIONS: The findings illustrate the complex interplay between interpersonal patterns and sociocultural forces in shaping marital quality in the Pakistani context. The IP Scope framework offers a valuable lens for understanding relational distress, healing, and wellness, with implications for culturally sensitive interventions to strengthen marriages.