Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
M.A. in General Psychology, Department of Psychology, Qom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran.
2
M.A. in Family Counseling, Department of Psychology, Alborz University, Abyek, Qazvin, Iran.
3
Ph.D. Student in General Psychology, Department of Psychology, Ardabil Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil, Iran.
Abstract
Purpose: The present study aimed to predict marital disaffection based on early maladaptive schemas with the mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation among female athletes.
Methods: In terms of purpose, this research was applied, and in terms of method, it was a descriptive correlational study conducted using structural equation modeling. The statistical population consisted of all professional female athletes residing in the city of Qom in 2023. Among them, 320 participants were selected using a convenience sampling method. The research instruments included the Kayser Marital Disaffection Scale (1996), the Young Schema Questionnaire–Short Form (1998), and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire developed by Garnefski et al. (2001). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.
Results: The results indicated that marital disaffection in married women was predicted by early maladaptive schemas (β=0.40, P<0.001). Furthermore, marital disaffection was predicted based on early maladaptive schemas through the mediating role of maladaptive (Z=4.11, P<0.001) and adaptive (Z=3.73, P<0.001) cognitive emotion regulation strategies.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrated that early maladaptive schemas, through the mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation, can predict marital disaffection among professional female athletes. Accordingly, attention to emotion regulation skills training and schema focused interventions, alongside psychological support programs for professional female athletes, may help reduce marital disaffection and improve their mental health and family quality of life.
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