Development of a Causal Model of Marital Adjustment Based on Attachment Styles, Self-Differentiation, and Sense of Psychological Coherence: The Mediating Role of Marital Expectations
Keywords:
marital adjustment, attachment styles, self‑differentiation, sense of psychological coherence, marital expectationsAbstract
This study aimed to develop and test a causal model of marital adjustment based on attachment styles, self-differentiation, and sense of psychological coherence, with marital expectations as a mediator among married women in Shiraz, Iran. This applied study employed a descriptive–correlational design based on structural equation modeling. The statistical population comprised all married women residing in the 11 municipal districts of Shiraz in autumn 2024. Using multistage cluster random sampling, 342 women were selected. Data were collected using Spanier’s Dyadic Adjustment Scale, Omidvar’s Marital Expectations Questionnaire, the Hazan and Shaver Adult Attachment Questionnaire, Drake’s Self-Differentiation Scale, and Antonovsky’s Sense of Coherence Scale. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27 and SmartPLS version 3.2.8. Partial least squares structural equation modeling and bootstrapping procedures were applied to assess the measurement model, direct paths, indirect effects, and overall model fit. Secure attachment, self-differentiation, and sense of psychological coherence had positive and significant direct effects on both marital expectations and marital adjustment, whereas avoidant attachment had negative and significant effects on both variables. The direct effects of anxious attachment on marital expectations and marital adjustment were not significant. Marital expectations positively predicted marital adjustment (β=0.470, p<0.001). Moreover, marital expectations significantly mediated the relationships of secure attachment (β=0.138, p<0.001), avoidant attachment (β=-0.067, p=0.006), self-differentiation (β=0.111, p<0.001), and sense of psychological coherence (β=0.073, p=0.001) with marital adjustment. However, the indirect effect of anxious attachment was not significant. The model explained 34.6% of the variance in marital expectations and 55.9% of the variance in marital adjustment. The goodness-of-fit indices supported the adequacy of the proposed structural model. Marital expectations represent a central psychological mechanism through which attachment-related characteristics and individual psychological resources influence marital adjustment. Interventions aimed at developing realistic and constructive marital expectations, strengthening secure attachment, improving self-differentiation, and enhancing psychological coherence may therefore contribute to more effective clinical and preventive programs for couples.
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Copyright (c) 1405 Razieh Esmaeeldokht (Author); Nadere Sohrabi Shegefti (Corresponding author); Sousan Sahami , Siamak Samani (Author)

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