Volume 29, Issue 2 (5-2026)
J Arak Uni Med Sci 2026, 29(2): 83-90 |
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Amani F, Pouyamanesh J, Amiri Majd M, Alijani F. Predicting Emotional Divorce in Women Based on Communication Patterns and Self-Criticism with the Mediating Role of Sexual Function. J Arak Uni Med Sci 2026; 29 (2) :83-90
URL: http://jams.arakmu.ac.ir/article-1-7986-en.html
URL: http://jams.arakmu.ac.ir/article-1-7986-en.html
1- PhD Student in Counseling, Department of Counseling, Abhar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Abhar, Iran , f.amani1980s@gmail.com
2- Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Abhar Branch, Abhar, Iran
3- Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Abhar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Abhar, Iran
4- Assistant Professor, Department of Counseling, Islamic Azad University, Abhar Branch, Abhar, Iran
2- Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Abhar Branch, Abhar, Iran
3- Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Abhar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Abhar, Iran
4- Assistant Professor, Department of Counseling, Islamic Azad University, Abhar Branch, Abhar, Iran
Abstract: (209 Views)
Introduction: Emotional divorce is a type of dysfunction in the family system that, while not leading to the physical separation of couples, results in a marital life lacking love, companionship, and friendship, with negative consequences for family functioning. This study aimed to predict emotional divorce based on communication patterns and self-criticism, with sexual functioning as a mediating factor.
Methods: This study was applied in purpose and correlational in nature, utilizing a path analysis design. The statistical population consisted of all married women visiting counseling centers in Tehran in 2023. From this population, 300 women were selected through random cluster sampling. Data collection tools included Gottman’s Emotional Divorce Scale (1999), Heavey et al.’s Communication Patterns Questionnaire (1996), Rosen et al.’s Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (2000), and Thompson and Zuroff’s Self-Criticism Scale (2004). The data were analyzed using path analysis.
Results: The results indicated that the direct effect of mutual constructive and avoidant communication patterns on sexual functioning was significant (p < 0.05), but the direct effect of the demand/withdraw communication pattern on sexual functioning was not significant (P > 0.05). The direct effect of self-criticism on sexual functioning was significant (P < 0.05). The direct effect of avoidant and demand/withdraw communication patterns on emotional divorce was significant (P < 0.05), but the direct effects of self-criticism on emotional divorce were not significant (P > 0.05). The mutual constructive communication pattern had no significant effect on emotional divorce (P > 0.05). Additionally, the results showed that sexual functioning mediated the relationship between demand/withdraw and avoidant communication patterns and emotional divorce (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: These findings highlight the interplay between communication styles, self-criticism, and emotional divorce, emphasizing the importance of addressing these factors in therapeutic settings.
Methods: This study was applied in purpose and correlational in nature, utilizing a path analysis design. The statistical population consisted of all married women visiting counseling centers in Tehran in 2023. From this population, 300 women were selected through random cluster sampling. Data collection tools included Gottman’s Emotional Divorce Scale (1999), Heavey et al.’s Communication Patterns Questionnaire (1996), Rosen et al.’s Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (2000), and Thompson and Zuroff’s Self-Criticism Scale (2004). The data were analyzed using path analysis.
Results: The results indicated that the direct effect of mutual constructive and avoidant communication patterns on sexual functioning was significant (p < 0.05), but the direct effect of the demand/withdraw communication pattern on sexual functioning was not significant (P > 0.05). The direct effect of self-criticism on sexual functioning was significant (P < 0.05). The direct effect of avoidant and demand/withdraw communication patterns on emotional divorce was significant (P < 0.05), but the direct effects of self-criticism on emotional divorce were not significant (P > 0.05). The mutual constructive communication pattern had no significant effect on emotional divorce (P > 0.05). Additionally, the results showed that sexual functioning mediated the relationship between demand/withdraw and avoidant communication patterns and emotional divorce (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: These findings highlight the interplay between communication styles, self-criticism, and emotional divorce, emphasizing the importance of addressing these factors in therapeutic settings.
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