A Legal and Psychological Analysis of the Validity Conditions of Marriage in the Iranian Legal System, with Emphasis on William Glasser’s Choice Theory

Shirin  Amirian; Dawood  Nassiran; Zabihollah  Kaveh Farsani

Authors

Shirin Amirian Department of Law, Na.C, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8459-2415
Dawood Nassiran Department of Law, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran Corresponding author https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8009-8987
Zabihollah Kaveh Farsani Department of Counseling, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran. Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7936-2351

Keywords:

Marriage, validity conditions of marriage, Iranian legal system, Choice Theory

Abstract

Marriage, as a foundational institution for family formation in the Iranian legal system, is based on legal conditions such as intention, consent, legal capacity, and physical puberty, which are largely derived from Imamiyyah jurisprudence. However, this traditional framework often overlooks psychological dimensions, potentially leading to instability in marital relationships and social harms. Using an interdisciplinary approach, the present study analyzes the validity conditions of marriage from legal and psychological perspectives through William Glasser’s Choice Theory. By emphasizing five basic human needs—survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun—as well as the principle of conscious choice, this theory identifies psychological maturity as a key condition for responsible decision-making in marriage. This study employs a descriptive-analytical methodology based on a review of jurisprudential, legal, and psychological literature, together with a comparative analysis of Choice Theory concepts and the provisions of Iran’s Civil Code, including Article 1041. The findings indicate that the current focus on physical puberty—13 years for girls and 15 years for boys—is insufficient. Early marriage, particularly child marriage, is associated with adverse psychological consequences, including anxiety, depression, and emotional isolation, which conflict with Glasser’s principles of autonomy and personal responsibility. Accordingly, it is proposed that legislators incorporate psychological criteria, such as emotional and cognitive maturity, into assessments of the best interests of marriage in order to protect individual rights and promote family stability. This approach can contribute not only to reducing social harms but also to providing a foundation for legislative reforms and family-centered policymaking.

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