The Structural Model of Marital Conflicts Based on Gender Stereotypes and Emotional Needs with the Mediation of Coping Styles

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the fit of the model of marital conflicts based on gender stereotypes and emotional needs with the mediation of coping styles.

Methods and Materials: This research was applied in terms of its objective and correlational in terms of its methodology, specifically using structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population consisted of all couples experiencing marital conflicts who sought counseling services in Tehran. From this population, a total of 500 individuals were purposefully selected through voluntary sampling as the study sample. The participants responded to the Marital Conflict Questionnaire (MCQ), Bem Sex Role Inventory (1982), Young-Rigg Escape Questionnaire (1994), and Primary Emotional Needs Questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using Pearson correlation regression and structural equation modeling via PLS software.

Findings: The study’s findings indicated that among the gender roles, only the neutral gender role had a significant direct effect on marital conflicts with a standardized beta coefficient of -0.229. The feminine and masculine gender roles did not have significant direct effects on marital conflicts. Emotional needs, with a standardized beta coefficient of 0.069, did not have a significant direct effect on marital conflicts. The feminine, masculine, and neutral gender roles did not have significant indirect effects on marital conflicts through the mediation of avoidance and overcompensation coping strategies. Emotional needs had an indirect effect on marital conflicts through the mediation of avoidance coping strategies, with a standardized coefficient of 0.037. Emotional needs also had a significant indirect effect on marital conflicts through the mediation of overcompensation coping strategies, with a standardized coefficient of 0.030.

Conclusion: The study concluded that the neutral gender role has a significant and direct effect on reducing marital conflicts, while femininity and masculinity roles do not have a direct impact. Emotional needs did not show a significant direct influence on marital conflicts, but they do contribute indirectly through avoidance and overcompensation coping strategies, which in turn can exacerbate conflicts. These findings highlight the importance of considering gender roles and coping strategies in addressing marital conflicts, suggesting that interventions should focus on these factors to enhance marital satisfaction and stability.