The Mediating Role of Psychological Distress in Explaining the Relationship Between Early Maladaptive Schemas and Marital Burnout in Women Who Have Experienced Marital Infidelity

Mahbeygom Alaee; Farideh Dokanehi Fard; Alireza Pirkhaefi

Authors

Mahbeygom Alaee Ph.D. Student in Department of Counseling, Ki.C., Islamic Azad University, Kish, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8645-4747
Farideh Dokanehi Fard Faculty Member of Associate Professor, Ro.C., Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran Corresponding Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5922-3119
Alireza Pirkhaefi Associate Professor of Psychology Department, Ga, C., Islamic Azad University, Garmsar, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0451-4095

Keywords:

psychological distress, marital infidelity, marital burnout, early maladaptive schemas

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to explain the mediating role of psychological distress in the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and marital burnout among married women who had experienced spousal infidelity.

Methods and Materials: This study employed a descriptive-correlational design based on structural equation modeling. The statistical population consisted of all married women affected by spousal infidelity who attended counseling and psychological service centers in Tehran in 2026. From this population, a sample of 252 participants was selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using the short form of the Young Schema Questionnaire (Young, 1998), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995), and the Couple Burnout Measure (Pines, 1996). The data were analyzed using SmartPLS software.

Findings: The results of structural equation modeling indicated that the hypothesized model demonstrated satisfactory fit. Collectively, the variables included in the model explained 61% of the variance in marital burnout and 57% of the variance in psychological distress. Early maladaptive schemas had a significant direct effect on marital burnout (β = .355, p = .001) and psychological distress (β = .462, p = .001). The direct effect of psychological distress on marital burnout was also positive and statistically significant (β = .524, p = .001). Furthermore, psychological distress significantly mediated the indirect relationship between early maladaptive schemas and marital burnout (β = .242, p = .001).

Conclusion: The findings indicate that early maladaptive schemas contribute substantially to increased marital burnout among women affected by infidelity by eliciting and intensifying psychological distress, including symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. Accordingly, therapeutic and counseling interventions for individuals affected by marital infidelity should emphasize restructuring maladaptive cognitive schemas and reducing symptoms of psychological distress.

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