KMAN Publication Incorporation Interdisciplinary Studies in Society, Law, and Politics 3060-5687 5 Serial Number 18 2026 05 01 A Legal and Psychological Analysis of the Validity Conditions of Marriage in the Iranian Legal System, with Emphasis on William Glasser’s Choice Theory A Legal and Psychological Analysis of the Validity Conditions of Marriage in the Iranian Legal System, with Emphasis on William Glasser’s Choice Theory 1 11 EN Journal Article 2025 09 03 <p>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.</p> https://journalisslp.com/index.php/isslp/article/download/560/1100