ABSTRACT
Objective
This study aimed to explore how individuals in interreligious marriages in India experience and interpret their psychological well-being.
Background
Interreligious unions in India represent a complex intersection of faith traditions, culture, and social expectations. Such marriages often face unique individual and relational challenges, including socio-familial rejection, dissolution, and religious dissonance, which may influence their mental health and well-being. Understanding these experiences is essential for advancing culturally sensitive psychological and policy support for interreligious couples.
Method
Using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 interreligious married individuals across India, recruited through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed thematically following IPA procedures. Seligman’s PERMA model provided the theoretical lens for interpreting participants’ experiences of well-being.
Results
Results revealed a coexistence of flourishing and distress among participants. Relationships and meaning were often strained by family rejection, pressure to convert, and religious disagreements. However, positive emotions and engagement were strengthened through empathy, shared rituals, and mutual respect. Resilience and persistence in the face of social opposition contributed to participants’ sense of accomplishment.
Conclusion
Interreligious marriages in India foster both psychological challenges and growth, reflecting dynamic adaptations within pluralistic contexts. The findings underscore the need for culturally informed counseling practices and legislative measures that promote pluralism, inclusion, and mental health among interfaith couples.