Why is couples therapy growing in Bangalore?
Bangalore is the Silicon Valley of India and is fast gaining notoriety for rising divorce rates. Here, out of every 1,000 marriages, around 300 are heading for a split. It’s a trend that has gained significant prominence in Bangalore. With the increasing number of divorces, it’s clear that couples therapy in Bangalore is becoming more important. While at the national level, the rate is 11 per 1,000, the statistics for Bangalore are much higher and alarming. Average cases for divorce filed on a daily basis in the family courts of the city is 40. Each case usually takes three to five years of resolution.
Although not a new phenomenon, it shows the shift in the trends of society and their challenges. Marriages used to be divorced only under extreme conditions like cruelty, desertion, mental illness, or adultery. Nowadays, though, most divorces happen because of non-communication, financial independence, and stress. This is one reason why so many couples in Bangalore are coming in for therapy before they even end up getting a divorce.
A research conducted offers valuable insights into the divorce phenomenon in Bangalore. The study revealed that the main reasons for divorce include a lack of understanding and communication between spouses. Marriage, an intimate bond between two individuals, requires mutual respect, love, and understanding. Without these, even minor issues can escalate, leading to separation.
Bangalore’s booming Information Technology ( IT) sector has played a significant role in the increasing divorce rates. The sector’s demanding nature, characterized by erratic working hours, high stress, and financial independence has strained relationships. Statistics reveal:
- In 2003, 283 divorce cases from the IT sector were filed.
- By 2006, this number had surged to 1,246
- As of June 2007, 828 cases had already been reported, indicating an upward trend.
These statistics underscore the dire need for intervention since many IT couples are unable to reconcile, resulting in a divorce instead of finding an amicable solution.
With such issues at hand, couples therapy is turning out to be the resource needed to keep the struggling marriages together. A number of reasons account for this:
Communication Gaps Addressed
Most couples seek therapy for improving communication and misunderstanding issues. Therapists help them provide better means of expressing feelings and needs.
Controlling Stress and Work-Life Balance:
Demanding jobs, especially in the IT sector, make it difficult for couples to spend time on their relationship. Therapy helps them overcome these challenges and focus on their partnership.
Building Emotional and Physical Intimacy
According to Chairperson of the State Women’s Commission Pramila Nesargi, workplace stress and lifestyle decisions are among those issues that impact intimacy. Therapists address these very issues about trust and closeness for couples.
Prevention:In today’s world, more couples regard therapy as a preventive measure rather than an after-thought when it’s too late. The opposite end of the spectrum, they address their concerns before hitting that breaking point
The effects of divorce often reverberate around the couple’s socio-economic lives, children, and general lifestyles. Bangalore calls for proactive interventions in meeting rapid pressure from urbanization and pressures brought about by a modern way of life.
A recent surge in divorces has been noted in Bangalore, but this can be well compensated by an increased number of couples taking therapy. Communication issues, work-life imbalance, and a lack of intimacy are often cited as reasons; therapy strengthens bonds and acts as a savior against the occurrence of a divorce. Now, with Bangalore being a fast-emerging hub, emotional intelligence and supportive partnership becomes even more critical. Getting into therapy isn’t a panacea but is the proactive process for building better and longer-lasting relationships.
Source: https://www.iosrjournals.org/iosr-jhss/papers/Vol4-issue4/B0440609.pdf
