Providing a Model for Predicting Children's Differentiation Based on Communication Patterns and Personality Structure with the Mediation of Dysfunctional Attitudes in Parents Attending Counseling Centers in Tehran

Abstract

Background and Objective: Most spouses in marital life use different communication patterns in interactions with family members, depending on their personality structure. The presence of dysfunctional communication patterns and underdeveloped personalities can cause destructive effects in relationships and lead to a lack of differentiation in children. This study aims to provide a model for predicting children's differentiation based on communication patterns and personality structure with the mediation of dysfunctional attitudes in parents attending counseling centers in Tehran. Methods and Materials: Considering the indices and objectives of the research, the study was descriptive and correlational. The statistical population of this research included all parents attending counseling centers in Tehran during 2021-2022. In this research, the sampling method was multi-stage random sampling, and the sample size was determined to be 350 people based on the Sample Power software. Data collection was carried out using the Differentiation Inventory by Skowron and Friedlander (1998), the Couples' Communication Patterns Questionnaire by Christensen and Sullaway (1991), the NEO Personality Inventory by McCrae and Costa (1985), and the Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale by Weissman and Beck (1978) on the selected sample. Data analysis was performed using SPSS and SmartPLS structural equation modeling. Findings: The findings of this study indicated that the proposed model for predicting children's differentiation based on communication patterns and personality structure with the mediation of dysfunctional attitudes in parents attending counseling centers in Tehran had a good fit. Examination of the results based on the direct path showed a significant relationship between the components of communication patterns, personality structure, and dysfunctional attitudes with children's differentiation. The results of the indirect path also showed a significant relationship between the components of communication patterns, personality structure, with the partial mediation role of dysfunctional attitudes and children's differentiation. Conclusion: The findings suggest that understanding the communication patterns and personality structure of each parent based on the mutual understanding of children's needs can predict the level of children's differentiation based on dysfunctional attitudes within the context of family relationships and interpersonal interactions.