How to Cite: Zahrakar, K., Nouri, F. L., & Mohsenzadeh, F. (2022). Exploring factors affecting conflict between daughter-in-law and mother-in-law: A qualitative study. International Journal of Health Sciences, 6(S7), 48338–48365. Retrieved from https://sciencescholar.us/journal/index.php/ijhs/article/view/13521 International Journal of Health Sciences ISSN 2550-6978 E-ISSN 2550-696X © 2022. Manuscript submitted: 9 May 2022, Manuscript revised: 18 July 2022, Accepted for publication: 27 August 2022 48338 Exploring factors affecting conflict between daughter-in-law and mother-in-law: A qualitative study Kianoush Zahrakar Professor of Counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Department of Counseling, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran. Corresponding author email: dr_zahrakar@khu.ac.ir Farshad Lavafpour Nouri Ph.D. Candidate of Counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Department of Counseling, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran. Farshad Mohsenzadeh Associate Professor of Counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Department of Counseling, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran. Abstract---The aim of this study is to understand the process of conflict between mothers-in-law (MILs) and daughters-in-law (DILs), contributing factors, strategies, and consequences of utilizing these strategies. Using the grounded theory method, qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 Iranian mothers-in-law and 18 daughters-in-law parents between 2019 and 2022. Based on the data, a conceptual model of conflict was developed, which explains what causal factors have affected the conflict, in what context and under which intervention conditions did the conflict occur, what strategies were used to manage this conflict, and what are the consequences of this conflict. The coding process revealed that Failure to form a shared family identity-the core phenomenon-was at the heart of this conflict. Implications for prevention programs, as well as detailed findings, are discussed. Keywords---Mother-in-law, Daughter-in-law, Conflict, Grounded theory. Introduction The family is considered the primary source of comfort, closeness, and love (Hajjat and Mehyar, 2003). The most typical social unit in urban settings is the nuclear family, but in rural regions, it is the extended family. Families and their extended