Mental Health of Wives in Polygamous Marriages: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Polygamous marriage brings about structural changes in family life that can affect a wife's psychological well-being. This study aims to uncover the reasons why wives remain in and accept polygamy, identify the sources of psychological stress they experience, and describe the coping strategies employed to maintain mental health. A qualitative phenomenological approach was used. The study involved five wives from polygamous families with diverse backgrounds. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and observations. The results indicate that meeting economic needs was not a dominant source of stress. Psychological stress was more closely linked to jealousy, internal struggles regarding self-esteem and identity, and negative perceptions from the social environment. Internally, stress manifested as self-doubt, feelings of powerlessness, and anxiety. To cope with these conditions, the informants developed strategies involving spirituality, cognitive reframing, self-strengthening through knowledge and positive activities, communication, and social support. Spirituality served as a primary foundation in the process of accepting and finding meaning in the polygamous experience. The study demonstrates that, in the context of polygamy, mental health is defined by a wife's ability to manage emotions, find meaning, adapt, and maintain personal functioning amidst the complexities of family life.