Marital Satisfaction Research Articles

Examination of the relationship between conflict resolution styles and marital satisfaction: the mediating role of emotion regulation difficulties

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to examine the mediating role of emotion regulation difficulties in the relationship between conflict resolution styles and marital satisfaction in married individuals. A total of 706 married individuals, 234 men and 472 women, constitute the study’s working group. The ages of the participants ranged from 21 to 60, with an average age of 38.45. As a result of the analysis conducted within the scope of the study It has been found that positive conflict resolution, retreat and subordination conflict resolution styles are positively related with marriage satisfaction, while negative conflict resolution styles are negatively related with marriage satisfaction. The results show that positive conflict resolution, negative conflict resolution, retreat and subordination conflict resolution styles have a direct effect on marital satisfaction, but this effect does not disappear when emotion regulation difficulties is controlled, so emotion regulation difficulties play a partial mediator role.

Joint Leisure Activities of Older Vietnamese Married Couples.

Leisure activities enjoyed by older married couples play an important part in creating more meaningful married lives. The study focuses on the prevalence of joint leisure activities by older couples, the factors influencing older adults' engagement in leisure activities together, and the relationship between joint participation in leisure activities and marital satisfaction of older couples. The quantitative sample included 414 married respondents aged 55 years and above from different parts of Vietnam. The leisure activities analyzed in the paper include vacation/travel, watching movies, music, karaoke singing outside the house, walking around the house, attending cultural events and festivals, watching TV, drinking tea, and doing exercise. The study results showed that the level of joint engagement in leisure activities in places near home with less cost was higher than those engaged in elsewhere. Couples with better living standards, higher education, better health, and who lived in urban areas more actively participated in leisure activities far from home. Vietnamese couples who engage in more leisure activities together had a higher level of overall satisfaction with their marriage, and greater satisfaction in several dimensions of their marital relationship than those who did not participate in leisure activities with their partners.

The Role of Gender in Managing Finances among Newly Married Couples in Klang Valley, Malaysia

This study explores the couple's role in managing finances and marital satisfaction from the perspective of newly married couples. By delving into individual demographic and behavioral segments, we reveal how couples manage and plan finances to achieve financial well-being and marital satisfaction, further identifying the role of gender in household financial management. Through a phenomenological method, we conducted semi-structured interviews with seven middle-income newly married couples residing in Klang Valley. Interviews with informants took 6 months between February 2022 and July 2022. The duration of the interview is between sixty and ninety minutes. The interpretation of qualitative data was analyzed thematically using N-Vivo 13 software. The results of the study shed light on the couple's financial management practices to achieve financial well-being and marital satisfaction. The husband is the main pillar in the household's financial affairs. This study offers value in the enrichment of data that reveals couples' understanding of managing finances and plans for their future. By focusing on newly married Malay couples, we gained a deeper insight into simple strategies implemented by household financial managers, division of financial responsibilities, and course of action. Findings that reveal the understanding and behavior of middle-income newlyweds in the Klang Valley towards financial well-being can be used by policymakers, governments, and non-governmental organizations to formulate financial health policies, programs, and campaigns to educate the public about early planning towards financial well-being and enjoying marital satisfaction.

Serial Multiple Mediation of the Marital Satisfaction and Parenting Competence in the Relationship Between Postpartum Depression and Parent-Infant Attachment in First-Time Parents With Low- and High-Risk Pregnancy Experiences: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Little is known regarding the effects of postpartum depression on parent-infant attachment in high-risk parents. Based on Mercer's theory of becoming a mother, this study aimed to (1) examine the mediating effects of marital satisfaction and parenting competence in the relationship between postpartum depression and parent-infant attachment using a serial mediation model in first-time parent couples during the first 6 months postpartum, and (2) compare the serial mediation models between parents who had experienced low-risk and high-risk pregnancies. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 194 first-time parent couples at 1 to 6 months postpartum were included. Participants completed an online survey on postpartum depression, marital satisfaction, parenting competence, and parent-infant attachment. In both low- and high-risk groups, parenting competence was a common mediator of the impact of postpartum depression on parent-infant attachment. A sequential mediation effect involving both marital satisfaction and parenting competence was observed in high-risk mothers. Our findings suggest that the adverse impacts of postpartum depression on parent-infant attachment can be mitigated by boosting parenting competence or improving the marital satisfaction in couples experiencing first high-risk pregnancy.

The Relationship between Marital Satisfaction and Spiritual Well-Being of Chinese Older Adults: The Mediating Effect of Psychological Security and Aging Expectations.

This study explores the relationship between marital satisfaction and spiritual well-being in older adults and the role of psychological security and aging expectations in older adult relationships. A convenient sample cross-sectional research method collected data from 367 older adults in Sichuan Province, China. A chain mediation model was constructed using quantitative analysis methods to test the relationship between marital satisfaction and older adults' spiritual well-being and the potential mediating roles of psychological security and aging expectations. The research conclusions are as follows: marital satisfaction positively correlates with spiritual well-being, and psychological security and aging expectations play independent chain mediating roles.

The Moderating Effect of Gender Role in Relationship Between Emotional Divorce and Marital Satisfaction: Comparison of Partial Least Square (PLS) and Consistent Partial Least Square Methods (PlSc) Methods.

Emotional divorce refers to a state of emotional disengagement from one's spouse, which can lead to marital dissatisfaction. Gender role conflict is a predictor of marital dissatisfaction and ultimately, divorce. The literature suggests that rigid adherence to traditional gender roles may contribute to emotional divorce. In this article, the authors aim to investigate the moderating effect of gender roles in the relationship between emotional divorce and marital satisfaction by using two multivariate methods in statistical analysis. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 539 women aged 18-65 years. The standard questionnaires used include 1) Bem Sex Role Inventory (Short form), 2) Gutman's Emotional Divorce Questionnaire, and 3) Evaluation and Nurturing Relationship Issues, Communication and Happiness (ENRICH) Marital Satisfaction (EMS) Scale. To achieve the purpose of the study, PLS and PLSc methods have been used. The mean age and time of marriage were 33.88 ± 6.6 and 13.03 ± 7.29 years. There is a significant negative relationship between emotional divorce and marital satisfaction. The gender role of most participants in the study has been androgenic and feminine, which has increased the moderating effect of this relationship. Also, when there is a common (reflective) factor model, Consistent Partial Least Square is more likely to provide a better fit than Partial Least Square. The results showed that higher women's marital satisfaction would be associated with lower emotional divorce. On the other hand, the role of gender is a mediating factor in marital satisfaction and emotional divorce. Having good male and female characteristics can have a positive impact on marital satisfaction, so increasing couples' knowledge of gender roles and trying to reduce traditional extreme roles can help increase marital satisfaction and reduce emotional divorce.

Family resources, resilience beliefs, and parental adaptation: A moderated mediation analysis.

Despite the extensive body of evidence documenting how pandemic-related stressors (e.g., disruptions in daily routine) impact individuals' mental health, research examining family mechanisms through which stressors impact parental stress remains insufficient. The present study aims to address this gap by exploring a moderated mediation model that predicts parental stress resulting from the accumulation of pandemic-related stressors. Specifically, we hypothesized a second-stage moderated mediation model in which family resilience beliefs moderated the second-stage indirect paths through family relationships and marital satisfaction, resulting in conditional indirect effects. Study data were collected from American parents (n = 1386). There was no evidence that family relationships and marital satisfaction mediated the association between stressor pile-up and parent stress. In addition, family resilience beliefs did not significantly impact how marital satisfaction or family relationships affect parental stress. However, marital satisfaction mediated the relationship between stressor pile-up and parental stress across all levels of family resilience beliefs. The findings of this study carry significant implications for post-pandemic family interventions, suggesting the incorporation of resilience belief training and stress management strategies to improve intrafamilial communication.

Examining the Mediating Role of Attachment Styles Between Perceived Partner Responsiveness and Marital Satisfaction: Evidence from Sikkimese Couples

The dyadic study investigated how attachment (avoidance and anxious styles) mediates the relationship between perceived partner responsiveness and marital satisfaction with a sample of 152 couples from Northeast India. Data were collected through door-to-door surveys, and analysis was conducted using the Actor and Partner Interdependence Mediation Model (APIMeM). Results indicate that husbands’ avoidance attachment played a mediating role between the couples’ perceived partner responsiveness and husbands’ marital satisfaction, while anxious attachment showed no mediating relationship. These findings suggest that interventions aimed at reducing avoidant attachment behaviors could enhance marital satisfaction, particularly in cultural contexts similar to Northeast India. These insights, discussed within the framework of the Attachment Security Enhancement Model (ASEM), highlight the importance of understanding cultural nuances in relationship dynamics. The study emphasizes the importance of considering diverse perspectives beyond traditional West vs East frameworks when examining relationship dynamics.

The Role of Attachment Styles in Marital Stability: A Psychological Approach to Strengthening Relationships

Purpose: The present study attempts to establish how attaching styles influence marital stability. To help determine how the various attachment patterns or styles-secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized-influence communication quality, conflict resolution, and overall marital satisfaction. Provide an understanding of how attachment styles, which are developed during one's childhood years, impinge on adult-to-adult relationships, particularly in marriage. Understand the rise in divorce rates and marital problems based on exploration of attachment styles that strengthen or weaken the marital bond. Add to the increasing scientific knowledge repository by focusing on real-life marital outcomes related to psychological theories of attachment. Material and Methods: The research design for this study is a mixed-methods design, which includes the following; Quantitative Component: Standardized questionnaires related to attachment style and relationship satisfaction scales will be administered to 200 couples. Qualitative Component: 20 couples from each category of different attachment styles will be interviewed in depth. This will be done at the marriage counseling centers in Houston, Texas. Population: Married individuals from different age brackets and years of marriage. Sampling: Stratified random sampling to ensure that there is a fair representation of marital backgrounds. Statistical Analysis: Application of correlation and regression analysis will help identify if attachment styles significantly predict marital outcomes. Findings: The key results of the study are that secure Attachment: Couples with at least one partner showing a secure attachment style exhibit: Improved communication, Successful conflict resolution, Overall relationship satisfaction, Insecure Attachment Styles, Anxious and avoidant are attached to less satisfaction and more conflict in marriage. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Based on this research, our recommendations in the present study are as follows: The need for Attachment-Based Interventions and Relationship Education Programs.

Associations between dyadic coping, marital satisfaction, and prenatal depression symptoms among couples with gestational diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT Aims/Background Coping with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) presents significant challenges for pregnant women and their partners, which may result in elevated prenatal depression symptoms. However, research has predominantly centred on pregnant women with GDM, with little involvement of their partners. To understand their dyadic interactions, it is imperative to involve GDM couples in the study. This study aims to examine the interplay between dyadic coping and prenatal depression symptoms among GDM couples and to explore the possible mediating role of marital satisfaction. Design/Method A cross-sectional study was conducted in Guangzhou, China. A total of 400 couples completed the Dyadic Coping Inventory, Locke-Wallace Marital Adjustment Scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and sociodemographic data sheet. The actor-partner interdependence mediation model was utilised for dyadic data analysis. Results Overall, 13.0% of pregnant women with GDM and 8.3% of partners experienced elevated prenatal depression symptoms. Dyadic coping was directly or indirectly related to their own and partners’ prenatal depression symptoms in GDM couples, with marital satisfaction acting as a mediator. Specifically, positive dyadic coping was associated with lower prenatal depression symptoms, while negative dyadic coping exhibited an opposite relationship. Conclusion The prevalence of elevated prenatal depression symptoms was high in GDM couples. It is important to view pregnant women with GDM and their partners as a dyad of a transactional system in prenatal clinical care. Couple-centred interventions targeting to enhance positive dyadic coping and mitigate negative dyadic coping might be beneficial to prevent and alleviate prenatal depression symptoms.

Menopause and Sexual Life Amongst Older Men: A Review Study

Objectives: To determine factors affecting the quality of men’s sexual life during menopause and identify the existing challenges. Design: A review study. Setting(s): Older people living in public institutions and living in their own homes. Participants: Older adults over 60 years of age. Outcome measures: All factors affecting the quality of sexual life of postmenopausal men in old age have been investigated in three physical, psycho-emotional, and social domains. Results: In the physical field, factors such as age, general health, disease, exercise, impotence, erectile dysfunction, genital warts, surgery of total hip arthroplasty, surgery of prostate, cancer radiotherapy, alopecia, and disorder in ejaculation, urinary disorders, and physical rehabilitation were known factors affecting the quality of men’s sexual life. The impacts of factors such as sleep problems, stressors, self-image, depression, alcohol addiction, premature ejaculation, emotional divorce, marital satisfaction, and fear of sexual activity were confirmed in the psycho-emotional field of studies. In the social field, factors such as education, duration of the marriage, marital status, income, life partners, number of sexual relations with spouse, the presence of multiple sexual partners, body mass of spouse (female), sex education and health literacy, sexual awareness, and quality of life related to health were recognized to be effective. Conclusions: Promoting sexual awareness through educational programs, providing opportunities for frequent sexual relationships, and addressing physical, psychological, emotional, cognitive, and social factors, and andropause could contribute to a more desirable sexual life quality in men during andropause.

Explaining maternal antenatal attachment by psychological, clinical and sociodemographic factors: a path analysis study

BackgroundAntenatal attachment is a fundamental concept relative to human transition to parenthood and may be influenced by several factors. The aim of this study is to find the best model to explain maternal antenatal attachment based on the interaction among sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological variables.MethodsPregnant women (N = 407) were interviewed during the second trimester of pregnancy while waiting for medical consultations. A sociodemographic, obstetric, and psychometric protocol was used. Statistical analyses: path analysis. Independent variables: psychopathological symptomatology, depression, anxiety, stress, occupational stress, attitudes about pregnancy and motherhood, coping styles, marital satisfaction, sociodemographic, and clinical variables. Dependent variables: maternal antenatal attachment in its several dimensions; quality of attachment (QA), intensity of preoccupation (IP), and global attachment (GA).ResultsDepression, anxiety, attitudes, and marital satisfaction explained 37% of maternal antenatal QA. Age, depression, anxiety, attitudes, and marital satisfaction explained 26% of maternal antenatal IP. Age, depression, anxiety, attitudes, and marital satisfaction explained 34% of the statistical variance of maternal antenatal GA.ConclusionsFactors like emotional states (depression and anxiety), attitudes towards pregnancy and motherhood, marital satisfaction, and a sociodemographic variable (age) contribute significantly for the explanation of maternal antenatal attachment.

Examining the validity of an adaptive model of sustaining behaviors in long-distance relationships: Predicting intimacy and marital satisfaction

Long-distance romantic relationships present unique challenges, necessitating couples to employ adaptive strategies to maintain intimacy and marital satisfaction. This study aimed to examine the validity of an adaptive model of sustaining behaviors in long-distance relationships and its capacity to predict marital intimacy and satisfaction. The model included mindfulness, sexual function, religious, and online social support domains. Data were collected online from 366 couples (aged 18 to 57; Mean = 34.82, SD = 7.34; 79.8 % female) engaged in long-distance relationships. A confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the acceptable fit of the four-factor model which was also invariant across gender groups. The results indicated significant associations between sustaining behaviors and marital intimacy and satisfaction, with varying predictive power among specific components. Notably, relationship/sexual mindfulness and marital sanction/religious communication within the religion domain emerged as robust predictors. Conversely, religious practice showed a significant negative association. Additionally, the realization component of the sexual function domain significantly predicted both marital satisfaction and intimacy, while its partnership component significantly predicted only marital intimacy. None of the social support components significantly predicted marital intimacy or satisfaction. These findings are important as they highlight the nuanced interplay between sustaining behaviors and relational well-being in long-distance relationships, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions to enhance relationship quality in this context.

Current investigation of the high prevalence of sexual dysfunction in female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross-sectional study.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects women of childbearing age and has been reported to cause sexual dysfunction in women. Although there are articles on sexual function in women with SLE, the number of articles is small, and the factors affecting sexual function in women with SLE are controversial. Based on this, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in Chinese female SLE patients and to explore the factors that influence it. The study design was a cross-sectional study conducted from December 2023 to April 2024 in the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology of a tertiary hospital in Hefei, Anhui Province. A total of 293 female patients diagnosed with SLE were enrolled using face-to-face questionnaires and online questionnaires. The questionnaire consisted of four parts: general information questionnaire, fatigue severity scale (FSS), depression-anxiety-stress scale (DASS-21), and female sexual functioning index (FSFI) scale. A total of 173 (59.04%) patients had sexual dysfunction, including 251 (85.67%) with decreased libido and 186 (63.46%) with difficulty in sexual arousal. There was a correlation between the patients' total FSFI scores and age (p = 0.028), marital satisfaction (p < 0.001), own education level (p = 0.008), partner's education level (p = 0.003), place of residence (p = 0.039), monthly household income (p < 0.001), family financial satisfaction(p < 0.001), menstrual status (p = 0.003), hormone use (p = 0.021),immunosuppressant use (p = 0.042), disease activity (p = 0.016), FSS score (p < 0.001), stress score (p < 0.001), anxiety score (p < 0.001) and depression score (p < 0.001)were correlated. The results of stepwise regression analysis showed that marital satisfaction (b = 2.011, t = 3.797, p < 0.001), monthly household income (b = 0.854, t = 2.316, p = 0.021), menstrual status (b = 1.218, t = 2.350, p = 0.019), fatigue scale score (b = -0.069, t = -2.302, p = 0.022), and depression score (b = -0.117, t = -2.910, p = 0.004) were the influencing factors of FSFI total score, and the difference was statistically significant. The incidence of sexual dysfunction in Chinese female SLE patients is high, and medical personnel should pay more attention to patients' sexual problems, to provide theoretical and practical bases for further prevention, treatment, and care of sexual dysfunction in female SLE patients.

Multicentre Randomized Controlled Trial of a Nurse-Led Sexual Rehabilitation Intervention to Rebuild Sexuality and Intimacy After Treatment for Gynecological Cancer.

To evaluate the effectiveness of a sexual rehabilitation program, SEXHAB, in improving sexual functioning, reducing sexual distress, and enhancing marital satisfaction for women after gynecological cancer treatment. This is a randomized controlled trial that included 150 women newly diagnosed with gynecological cancer from three public hospitals in Hong Kong. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n=78) to receive the SEXHAB or to an attention control group (n=72) to receive attention. The SEXHAB comprises four individual- or couple-based sessions with three major components: information provision, cognitive-behavioral therapy and counseling using motivational interviewing skills. The outcomes were measured at baseline (T0), upon completion of the program (T1) and 12-month post-treatment (T2). Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with the SEXHAB group participants to explore their experiences with and opinions toward the program. At both follow-ups, there were no statistically significant differences between groups in improving sexual functioning, sexual distress and marital satisfaction. Nevertheless, participants in the SEXHAB group reported their partners having significantly greater sexual interest at T1 (76% vs. 52%, rate ratio: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.99, p=0.024) and T2 (74% vs. 48%, rate ratio: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.11 to 2.10, p=0.014). From the qualitative interviews, the interviewees who resumed sexual activity reported positive experiences in rebuilding sexuality and intimacy. Despite the quantitative results are negative, the qualitative findings suggest potential benefits of the SEXHAB for women resuming sexual activities after treatment for gynecological cancer. Further studies with longer intervention period and follow-ups are needed to confirm the intervention effects.

Investigating the Relationship between Attachment and Marital Satisfaction in Couples Marital Experiences

This study aimed to examine the relationship between attachment and marital satisfaction in couples' marital experiences. The study included 601 married individuals selected by criterion sampling method, one of the purposive sampling methods, and fifteen married couples were interviewed separately. This research was designed using Creswell's simultaneous triangulation design, one of the mixed method designs. The data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Relationship Scales Questionnaire, Marital Life Scale, and Semi-structured Interview Form prepared by the researchers. The findings of the study revealed that the participants' gender, educational status, type of marriage, fearful attachment, and preoccupied attachment styles did not predict marital satisfaction. In contrast, secure attachment styles positively predicted marital satisfaction, whereas dismissing attachment styles negatively predicted marital satisfaction. In the study, it was concluded that the type of marriage has no effect on marital continuity and satisfaction and that the character traits of the spouses and the way they behave towards each other, the presence of understanding, love, interest, happiness, and peace between the spouses and having children are more determinant. The findings obtained from the study were discussed in line with the relevant literature, and suggestions were made for research and practice.

중년 부부의 배우자 지지제공과 지지받기가 결혼만족에 미치는 영향: 자기-상대방 상호의존모형(APIM)

Objectives: This study aimed to verify the effect of spousal support on marital satisfaction in middle-aged couples using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM). Methods: For this purpose, 223 couples aged 40-60 nationwide participated in the study. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were performed using SPSS 23.0, and structural equation modeling analysis was performed using Amos 23.0. Results: The findings of the study are as follows. First, while receiving spousal support had a positive effect on marital satisfaction for both husbands and wives among the middle-aged couples, the partner effect was significant only for wives. Second, giving spousal support had a negative effect on marital satisfaction for wives, and the partner effect was significant for both husbands and wives among the middle-aged couples. Conclusions: In conclusion, the more they perceived receiving spousal support, the higher the marital satisfaction. Also, the more they perceived giving spousal support, the lower their spouses’ marital satisfaction. Implications and limitations of this study were discussed, and suggestions for further studies were recommended.

Gender disparity regarding the impact of retirement on marital satisfaction: Evidence from a longitudinal study of older Korean adults.

To investigate the impact of retirement on marital satisfaction by gender on Koreans aged >45 years in a large, nationally representative cohort. Retirement status and marital satisfaction data of 5867 individuals were analysed. Marital dissatisfaction was defined as a satisfaction score reduction of more than 10 points versus the previous wave. Lagged generalised estimating equation (GEE) models adjusted for demographics (age, sex, education level and household income), health-related habits (smoking and drinking status) and comorbidities (obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and depression and frailty) were used to confirm the relationship between retirement and marital dissatisfaction. The final GEE model adjusted for covariates revealed sex-specific differences in marital satisfaction after retirement. Whereas male retirees reported higher satisfaction than non-retired men, female retiree responses revealed lower satisfaction than non-retired women. Furthermore, these trends were consistent regardless of the time elapsed after retirement. Marital satisfaction should be screened in women during the transition to retirement.

The Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of Emotional Abuse Questionnaire

Objective: Intimate partner emotional abuse is a serious issue that can lead to catastrophic outcomes for victims. Emotional abuse involves psychological tactics to control, manipulate, and degrade a person within an intimate relationship. This research aimed to translate the Emotional Abuse Questionnaire (EAQ) developed by Jacobson and Gottman into Persian for use among Iranian university students. Method: The translation of the 66-item EAQ involved a meticulous forward and backward translation process, linguistic matching, and a pilot review. In this cross-sectional study, 346 university students from Rasht, Iran, completed the EAQ. The mean age of participants was 26.78 ± 8.10 years, with most being female (89.0%). Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha and test-retest analysis while content and face validity were assessed by a panel of experts. Construct validity was examined through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and internal consistency measures. Divergent validity was assessed by comparing the EAQ with the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale (EMS). Results: Impact scores for face validity ranged from 2.33 to 3.92, based on respondents' ratings of frequency and importance. Content validity assessment led to removing four items with a CVR below 0.62, resulting in 62 valid items. The EAQ showed strong internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.97, exceeding the acceptable threshold of 0.70. CFA results confirmed the validity of the second-order factor model of the EAQ (χ2/df = 4.34, CFI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.098, SRMR = 0.077). The EAQ demonstrated a strong correlation with EMS measures, confirming divergent validity. Conclusion: The Persian version of the EAQ is a reliable instrument for assessing emotional abuse among Iranian university students. Future research should explore the cultural sensitivity of the questionnaire and investigate associations between emotional abuse and other variables of interest, such as mental health outcomes or relationship dynamics. These avenues promise valuable insights into the frequency and effects of emotional abuse across diverse cultural contexts.

The Relationship Between Attachment Styles and Marital Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Positive Relational Behaviors

This study aimed to investigate the association between individuals’ attachment styles and their marital satisfaction through positive relational behaviors (PRBs). This was a correlational study of structural equation modeling (SEM). Out of all married students of Bu-Ali Sina University. A total of 261 (69 men and 192 women) filled out our questionnaires. The results from SEM indicated that the hypothesized model in this study had a good fit with the study sample. The secure attachment style demonstrated a significant positive relationship with marital satisfaction through PRBs, while the ambivalent and avoidant attachment styles exhibited a negative association with marital satisfaction through PRBs.