The relationship between insecure attachment styles and marital instability: the mediating role of codependence and cognitive distortion

Abstract :

Marriage, as a significant decision towards family formation, can be influenced by various factors leading to disintegration and instability. Given the importance of this issue, the aim of this study was to examine the mediating roles of co-dependence and cognitive distortion in the relationship between insecure attachment styles and marital instability among married individuals. The research utilized a correlational methodology through structural equation modeling. The study population comprised all married individuals in Yazd in the year 1400 (Persian calendar). From this population, 270 married individuals (207 women and 63 men) were selected using a convenience sampling method. Participants completed the Marital Instability Index (MII), the Adult Attachment Scale (RAAS), the Holyoke Co-dependence Scale (HCI), and a Cognitive Distortion Questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using Amos 24 and SPSS 23 software. The findings revealed that cognitive distortion did not mediate the relationship between avoidant and anxious attachment styles and marital instability. However, co-dependence was found to mediate the relationship between anxious and avoidant attachment styles and marital instability. Thus, it can be concluded that co-dependence is a significant factor contributing to the instability of marital relationships among individuals with avoidant and anxious attachment styles. This highlights the importance for couples and couple therapists to give adequate attention to this construct in therapeutic settings.

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منابع
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