The Study of the Lived Experience of Tolerance for Differences in Satisfied Marriages: A Phenomenological Study

Introduction: As people enter a marital relationship, differences inevitably emerge. Tolerance for differences is a phenomenon that many people may experience when they get married. The current study aimed to investigate the lived experience of tolerance for differences in satisfied marriages. Method: The present study was a descriptive phenomenology psychological research. The sample consisted of 11 married people who had experienced tolerance for differences and were selected in a purposeful and snowball manner in 2019-2020. A semi-structured interview was used to collect data. Data gathering continued until the data saturation stage. Results: According to the results of this study, the experience of tolerance has six constituents, which are: love and respect for spouse and family, consulting in life, division of duties and roles, understanding of differences, patience and forgiveness and support of couples' families. Conclusion: The results of the study indicated that differences and disagreements between couples do not necessarily lead to conflict, but rather, these differences are experienced as an acceptance through tolerance.