Social Problems of Iran

Social Consequences of Burns in Married Women

Authors

Mansour Fathi 1
Toktam Delsouz 2

1 Associate Professor of Social Work, Faculty of Social Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran

2 M.A in Social Work, Faculty of Social Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.61882/jspi.17.1.127
Abstract
Burns, as one of the serious physical accidents, in addition to physical injuries, have profound effects on the mental health and social relationships of individuals. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the social consequences of burns in married women. In this study, qualitative methods and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. The participants were 19 married women with burns who had a case file in Shahid Motahari Hospital, Fatemeh Zahra (S), Firoozgar Laser Center, and Qoqnos Association in 1403 and were selected through purposive sampling. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The findings show that women with burns often see their bodies as a burden and a burden that limits them in their daily lives and social roles. The huge costs of treatment against a small recovery have placed additional economic pressure on these individuals and their families. In addition, some women have expressed dissatisfaction with the inattention and lack of responsibility of medical centers. Challenges in marital and family relationships have been identified as another important outcome; after burns, women face a decrease in the quality of marital relationships and difficulties in fulfilling their roles as mothers and wives. Also, societal attitudes and negative labeling exacerbate the feelings of rejection and isolation in women with burns. These labels have a particularly severe impact when these women also face a lack of emotional support from their families and husbands. This lack of support, empathy, and companionship from family members doubles their mental stress and causes them to gradually withdraw from their social and marital roles and duties.



Extended Abstract

1. Introduction

Burn injuries, as serious physical traumas, have profound effects not only on physical health but also on the mental health and social relationships of affected individuals. Statistics indicate that approximately 2.4 million people worldwide suffer burns annually, of whom 650,000 require specialized treatment. According to the World Health Organization, over 300,000 people die each year from burns or their complications, with more than 95% of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. In Iran, burn statistics are alarming; between 100,000 and 150,000 people sustain burns each year, many of whom experience varying degrees of disability. Burns are a multidimensional phenomenon that simultaneously affect the body, psyche, quality of life, and social interactions. Severe pain, altered appearance, anxiety, depression, reduced social engagement, and impaired occupational and family functioning are only some of the consequences. Although some survivors achieve partial physical recovery, the psychological, social, and emotional effects of burns may persist for years. Numerous studies emphasize the reduced quality of life and disrupted social relationships among women after burns. Burn wounds-especially in visible areas such as the face and limbs-can cause body image disturbances, feelings of social rejection, social anxiety, and mental disorders including post traumatic stress disorder. Many of these individuals encounter staring, repeated questions, and distressing labels regarding their appearance, leading to avoidance behaviors and increased social isolation. Research findings also indicate experiences of rejection, isolation, and social stigma as common consequences of burns in women. Married women, in particular, bear the greatest psychological and social pressure from burns.

Burns not only disrupt their body image but also bring challenges such as difficulty fulfilling spousal and maternal roles, fear of social acceptance, and efforts to balance family and professional responsibilities. These pressures are compounded in societies that emphasize physical beauty and traditional gender roles. Despite the severity and breadth of these consequences, there remains a noticeable research gap regarding the effects of burns on married women. Many studies are limited to physical and clinical aspects, while social dimensions, especially gender-related ones, remain underexplored. This research neglect may lead to overlooking the specific needs of this group and perpetuating the cycle of harm. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the social consequences of burns for married women can inform targeted intervention programs, provide psychosocial support, and shape practical policies to facilitate their return to normal life, improve social interactions, and enhance quality of life. Accordingly, the main research question is: What social consequences do married women who have survived burns face?

.2 Methologhy

This qualitative study aimed to deeply explore the social consequences of burns on married women. Participants were 19 married women with burn injuries who had records in 2024 at Shahid Motahari Hospital, Fatemeh Zahra Hospital, Firouzgar Laser Center, and the Qoqnus Association, and were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected via semi structured interviews. Interviews began with general questions and proceeded to more detailed ones. Sample interview questions included: How has your experience been of others’ gazes on your appearance after the burn? How has your marital relationship with your spouse changed? How have your relationships and interactions with family, relatives, and strangers changed after the burn? What effect has the burn had on your employment and the economic status of you and your family? Thematic analysis based on Braun and Clarke (2006) was used to analyze the qualitative data. MAXQDA version 20 was employed to manage the coding process and ensure accuracy and reliability.

Participants were aged 22–53 years and had different current life situations. All had at least a high school diploma. Ten were employed before the burn, of whom six lost their jobs afterward. Burn percentages ranged from 13% to 65%, with most burns in visible areas such as the face and hands. To achieve trustworthiness, the study used: 1) prolonged engagement with the field and trust building through a six month period with multiple meetings and follow up phone conversations; 2) expert auditing and supervision of the data analysis process; and 3) member checking, whereby analysis results were shared with some participants to resolve ambiguities. Ethical principles were observed by providing participants with information about the research objectives, confidentiality, anonymity, and the right to withdraw.

3. Findings

From the analysis of interviews with married women who survived burns, five main themes were extracted: burn stigma, body as a burden, enormous treatment costs with little recovery, irresponsible treatment centers, and challenges in marital and family relationships, each with corresponding subthemes and codes. The theme of burn stigma refers to the labels, discriminatory attitudes, and exclusionary actions of society toward these women. This theme encompasses distressing behaviors as well as the continuous decline of social interactions and relationships. In many cases, negative encounters and hurtful behaviors have led to a significant reduction in self confidence, feelings of helplessness, and an identity crisis among the women studied. Due to differences in appearance and the visible effects of burns, these individuals face unwanted reactions in public settings-such as staring, taunts, and withdrawal by those around them-which make daily life doubly difficult for them. One of the most critical crises faced by these women is the identity crisis resulting from burns, which itself is a direct consequence of social rejection and physical changes. Sudden alterations in appearance and reduced social acceptance lead to profound confusion regarding oneself and one's social roles. The findings indicate that the transformation of body appearance due to burns fundamentally challenges feminine identity, which in many cases is defined by societal standards of beauty and appearance.

Women with burns often perceive their own bodies as a burden that limits them in everyday life and social roles. The enormous costs of treatment contrasted with minimal recovery impose additional economic pressure on these individuals and their families. Moreover, some women have expressed dissatisfaction with the neglect and irresponsibility of treatment centers. Challenges in marital and family relationships were identified as another major consequence; after burns, women experience reduced quality of marital relations and difficulties in fulfilling maternal and spousal roles. Furthermore, societal attitudes and negative labeling intensify feelings of rejection and isolation among women with burns. These labels have even more severe effects when these women also lack emotional support from their families and spouses. This absence of support, empathy, and companionship from family members doubles their psychological distress and gradually leads them to withdraw from their social and marital roles and responsibilities.

4. Conclusion

The results indicate that married women with burn injuries face extensive challenges at individual, family, and social levels. Burns, as a traumatic experience, not only deeply affect their bodies but also create lasting consequences in identity, social relationships, and marital life. The most important challenges include identity crisis, social rejection, feeling like a burden to the family, and high treatment costs. These factors interact to severely impact the women’s quality of life and limit their ability and willingness to actively and effectively participate in social and family spheres. Based on intersectionality theory, understanding the experience of women with burns requires not only focusing on gender but also simultaneously examining how gender interacts with marital status, economic class, education level, and other conditions. Practical recommendations include strengthening psychosocial support, public education and awareness, supporting families, establishing multidisciplinary post burn specialty clinics, improving treatment services and reducing costs, and developing standard ethical and professional protocols for healthcare staff.

Keywords

Burns
married women
psychological erosion
burn scars
irresponsible medical centers
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  • Receive Date 08 June 2026
  • Publish Date 08 June 2026