Challenges of the transition process from divorce to remarriage: a qualitative meta-synthesis

Abstract

Remarriage after divorce can be a positive strategy for adjusting to divorce. However, it can cause more emotional and psychological trauma than a previous failed marriage if it is performed without knowledge and preparation. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the challenges in the transition from divorce to remarriage. Qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted based on English and Persian keywords in the English and Persian databases from 2001 to 2023. This study was conducted from January 20 to April 30, 2023. Among 120 identified studies close to the research topic, only 14 relevant cases met the inclusion criteria for the systematic process. The inductive approach to thematic synthesis was based on Thomas and Harden’s method. After integrating the identified themes, two main themes and nine categories were identified. The “endogenous challenges,” included sub-themes such as challenges of first marriage, psycho-emotional challenges, marital challenges, economic issues, and challenges before remarriage. The “exogenous challenges” included sub-themes such as family challenges, sociocultural challenges, communication challenges, and multiple conflicts due to the presence of children. The results indicate that remarriage after divorce is a multidimensional phenomenon often influenced by multiple personal and environmental factors. Therefore, both counselors and divorced individuals should consider all personal and environmental factors during the premarital counseling process. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2025.