Predicting Marital Conflict Based on Mindfulness, Communication Patterns, and Emotional Intelligence in Married Students
Keywords:
marital conflict, mindfulness, communication patterns, emotional intelligence, married studentsAbstract
The present study aimed to predict marital conflict based on mindfulness, communication patterns, and emotional intelligence among married students.
Methods and Materials: The present study employed an applied descriptive-correlational design. The statistical population consisted of all married students at Islamic Azad University during the 2024–2025 academic year. Using convenience sampling, 195 participants were initially selected, and after excluding incomplete questionnaires, data from 180 participants were analyzed. Data collection instruments included the Marital Conflicts Questionnaire developed by Barati and Sanaei (1996), the short form of the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (2006), the Communication Patterns Questionnaire developed by Christensen and Sullaway (1984), and the Schering Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (1995). Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multivariate regression analysis in SPSS. The results indicated that mindfulness (r = -0.278, p < .001), constructive mutual communication patterns (r = -0.216, p < .01), and emotional intelligence (r = -0.162, p < .05) were significantly and negatively associated with marital conflict. In contrast, demand/withdraw communication patterns (r = 0.151, p < .05) and mutual avoidance communication patterns (r = 0.155, p < .05) showed significant positive relationships with marital conflict. Furthermore, the regression analysis demonstrated that mindfulness (β = -0.166, p < .05), demand/withdraw communication pattern (β = 0.154, p < .05), constructive mutual communication pattern (β = -0.166, p < .05), mutual avoidance communication pattern (β = 0.386, p < .001), and emotional intelligence (β = -0.338, p < .001) significantly predicted marital conflict. The overall regression model was statistically significant (F = 9.925, p < .001) and explained 20% of the variance in marital conflict among married students (Adjusted R² = 0.200). The findings suggest that mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and constructive communication patterns function as protective factors against marital conflict among married students, whereas maladaptive communication patterns such as demand/withdraw interactions and mutual avoidance increase the likelihood of relational tension.
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