Mediating Role of Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies in the relationship between Brain-Behavioral System Activity and Marital Satisfaction

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to assess the mediating role of Cognitive Emotion Regulation (CER) strategies in the relationship between brain-behavioral system activity and marital satisfaction. Methods: This is a descriptive correlational study. The statistical population consists of all married men and women referred to two clinics of petrochemical industries in Mahshahr, of whom: 200 (106 female and 94 male) were selected using a convenience sampling method. Data collection tools were the Gray-Wilson Personality Questionnaire, ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale, and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ). Pearson correlation test, multiple regression analysis and path analysis were carried out in SPSS v.17 and LISREL v.8.8. Results: All dimensions of CER (negative and positive strategies) and the activity of brain-behavioral system were significantly associated with marital satisfaction. Both negative and positive CER strategies and two Behavioral Activating System and Fight/Flight System as components of the brain-behavioral system had direct association and the Behavioral Inhibition System component had indirect association with marital satisfaction. They had good predictive power to predict marital satisfaction in families. Conclusion: The brain-behavioral system activity, as a biological model of personality, and the use of CER strategies have can predict marital satisfaction.