Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modeling of Divorce Intention Based on Attachment Insecurity, Marital Disillusionment, Emotional Loneliness, and Relationship Commitment

Mette Kristiansen; Michael Davies; Ivana Radić

Authors

Mette Kristiansen Department of Health Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark Author https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6443-9946
Michael Davies Department of Organizational Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada Corresponding Author https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7530-1655
Ivana Radić Department of Developmental Psychology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia Author https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7352-5691

Keywords:

Divorce intention, attachment insecurity, marital disillusionment, emotional loneliness, relationship commitment

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to test a covariance-based structural equation model of divorce intention based on attachment insecurity, marital disillusionment, emotional loneliness, and relationship commitment among married adults in Canada.

Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted on 428 legally married adults residing in Canada who were recruited through online community advertisements, family and relationship forums, community organizations, and electronic announcements. Participants completed measures of adult romantic attachment, marital disillusionment, emotional loneliness, relationship commitment, and divorce intention. Data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS. Preliminary analyses examined normality, multicollinearity, reliability, and bivariate associations. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to evaluate the measurement model, followed by covariance-based structural equation modeling using maximum-likelihood estimation. Model fit was evaluated using χ²/df, GFI, CFI, TLI, IFI, RMSEA, and SRMR.

Findings: The structural model demonstrated good fit to the data, χ²(293) = 584.22, χ²/df = 1.99, GFI = .906, CFI = .953, TLI = .947, IFI = .953, RMSEA = .048, and SRMR = .046. Attachment insecurity had a significant positive effect on divorce intention (β = .21, p < .001), as did marital disillusionment (β = .34, p < .001) and emotional loneliness (β = .19, p < .001). Relationship commitment had a significant negative effect on divorce intention (β = -.29, p < .001). Marital disillusionment was the strongest positive predictor. Together, the four predictors explained 68% of the variance in divorce intention.

Conclusion: Divorce intention appears to reflect the combined influence of attachment-related vulnerability, negative marital appraisal, emotional disconnection, and weakened commitment; accordingly, interventions addressing marital instability may benefit from targeting these interconnected relational processes.

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