Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a substantive grounded theory of marital relationship stability in long-distance couples (commuter spouses), focusing on the perspective of women whose husbands were employed in maritime occupations in 2025, within the Iranian cultural context.Method: A qualitative research approach was employed, utilizing a grounded theory methodology based on the Glaserian approach. The main participants were 17 women with commuter spouses working for National Iranian Tanker Company , selected through purposive sampling. Complementary data were gathered through interviews with 10 specialists in psychology and family counseling, as well as a review of relevant domestic and international scientific literature. Data were analyzed using substantive coding(open and selective levels)and theoretical coding, following the Glaserian approach procedures. Findings: Data analysis resulted in the extraction of six main categories : "maintaining emotional bonds during separation," "networking and seeking support," "planning and future orientation," "personal growth and emotional independence," "strengthening trust and commitment in the relationship," and "flexibility and adaptation to change." Furthermore, the core category of "actively managing the spouse’s absence through the reconstruction of presence" was conceptualized, reflecting a three-dimensional process of reconstructing communicative, semantic, and supportive‒network presence. Conclusion: The findings indicated that relationship stability in long-distance couples is a multidimensional and dynamic process encompassing intrapersonal, interpersonal, and socio-spiritual strategies. These results can serve as a basis for designing pre-deployment educational and counseling programs, family-centered psychological interventions, and organizational support policies for commuter families.