نیایش بلالی

  The present study aimed to explain marital conflicts based on schemas in the Disconnection and Rejection domain, with interpersonal sensitivity as a mediating variable. The statistical population consisted of married women aged ۲۳ to ۶۰ in Tehran in ۲۰۲۴, from which ۳۲۵ participants were selected using convenience sampling. The instruments included the Marital Conflicts Questionnaire (Sanaei & Barati, ۲۰۰۰), the Young Schema Questionnaire (items ۱–۲۵ corresponding to the Disconnection/Rejection domain), and the Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure (IPSM). Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in AMOS.

The results indicated that among the schemas in the Disconnection/Rejection domain, Emotional Deprivation had a significant direct effect on marital conflicts (? = ۰.۲۹۵, p = ۰.۰۰۱), whereas other schemas did not show a significant direct effect. Interpersonal sensitivity had a significant direct effect on marital conflicts (? = ۰.۱۹۸, p = ۰.۰۱۱), and its mediating role in the relationships between Mistrust/Abuse and Social Isolation/Alienation with marital conflicts was confirmed (Bootstrap, ۹۵% CI). The final model explained ۳۶% of the variance in marital conflicts, and the fit indices were within acceptable ranges (CFI/TLI > ۰.۹۰, RMSEA < ۰.۰۸).

The findings suggest that the roots of marital conflicts are not merely behavioral but are deeply rooted in cognitive–emotional structures, particularly schemas in the Disconnection/Rejection domain and interpersonal sensitivity. Therefore, schema-focused interventions combined with emotion regulation training can serve as an effective approach to improving marital relationships.

In conclusion, marital conflicts are not solely caused by surface-level behavioral differences but stem from deep-seated cognitive and emotional structures. Maladaptive schemas in the Disconnection/Rejection domain—by fostering feelings of insecurity, mistrust, and emotional deprivation—lead to heightened interpersonal sensitivity and, consequently, intensified marital conflicts. Hence, identifying and modifying maladaptive schemas and reducing emotional sensitivity can be effective strategies for improving marital relationships and enhancing family mental health.