1- Ph. D Student in General Psychology, Department of Psychology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran;
2- Associate Professor of General Psychology, Department of Psychology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran;
3- Assistant Professor of General Psychology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2- Associate Professor of General Psychology, Department of Psychology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran;
3- Assistant Professor of General Psychology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract: (448 Views)
Background & Objectives: Extramarital relationships are one of the main causes of family breakdown and divorce and can cause severe physical and psychological consequences in couples. Statistics show that the rate of extramarital relations in different societies is increasing and it is a worrying thing. Based on theoretical and empirical foundations, extramarital relationships are a multidimensional phenomenon and are related to numerous individual, social and interpersonal factors. In this context, the Early Maladaptive Schemas are self-harming emotional and cognitive patterns that can play an effective role in extramarital relationships. In the meantime, some psychological variables can affect the relationship between primary incompatible schemas and extramarital relationships. Cognitive flexibility is one of these variables. Because cognitive flexibility enables a person to deal appropriately and effectively with pressures, challenges and other emotional and social issues such as facing extramarital relationships. Studying the causes of marital relations and its influencing factors is very important both scientifically and socially because it is effective in preventing and controlling this problem in the future. On this basis, the present study aims to formulate a model of extramarital relations based on incompatible schemas. The first one was done with the mediation of cognitive flexibility in men.
Methods: The method of the present research was Descriptive-analytical and structural equation modeling. Also, the current research was quantitative in nature and cross-sectional in terms of execution time. The statistical population of this research was all men with extramarital relationships who referred to the counseling center in the west of Tehran (Hamkadeh) in the first half of 2021. The sample of this research included 250 men with extramarital relationships between the ages (28-45 years old) who were selected through convenience sampling. The inclusion criteria for entering the research included age between 28 and 45 years, marriage duration of 4 years and more, educational qualification at least diploma. The exclusion criteria included unwillingness to continue cooperation regarding the completion of questionnaires and incomplete and distorted completion of questionnaires. Descriptive analysis of data was done using mean and standard deviation and inferential analysis of data was done through Pearson correlation coefficient and structural equation modeling using maximum likelihood using SPSS version 27 and AMOS version 24 software. The statistical significance level of all tests was considered 0.05.
Results: The direct effect of incompatible schemas on extramarital relationships was positive and significant (β=0.151, P=0.042) and negative and significant on cognitive flexibility (β=0.41, P<0.001). The direct effect of cognitive flexibility on extramarital relationships was negative and significant (p<0.001, β=-0.34). Also, the indirect effect of incompatible schemas on extramarital relationship through the mediating variable of cognitive flexibility was significant (β=0.14, P=0.013). The goodness of fit indices indicated the fit of the assumed research model with the experimental data (X2/df=1.33, GFI=0.95, AGFI=0.92, CFI=0.99, RMSEA=0.038).
Conclusion: Early maladaptive schemas are related to extramarital relationships through the cognitive flexibility variable. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of extramarital relationships by reducing the initial incompatible schemas and strengthening cognitive flexibility in men.
Methods: The method of the present research was Descriptive-analytical and structural equation modeling. Also, the current research was quantitative in nature and cross-sectional in terms of execution time. The statistical population of this research was all men with extramarital relationships who referred to the counseling center in the west of Tehran (Hamkadeh) in the first half of 2021. The sample of this research included 250 men with extramarital relationships between the ages (28-45 years old) who were selected through convenience sampling. The inclusion criteria for entering the research included age between 28 and 45 years, marriage duration of 4 years and more, educational qualification at least diploma. The exclusion criteria included unwillingness to continue cooperation regarding the completion of questionnaires and incomplete and distorted completion of questionnaires. Descriptive analysis of data was done using mean and standard deviation and inferential analysis of data was done through Pearson correlation coefficient and structural equation modeling using maximum likelihood using SPSS version 27 and AMOS version 24 software. The statistical significance level of all tests was considered 0.05.
Results: The direct effect of incompatible schemas on extramarital relationships was positive and significant (β=0.151, P=0.042) and negative and significant on cognitive flexibility (β=0.41, P<0.001). The direct effect of cognitive flexibility on extramarital relationships was negative and significant (p<0.001, β=-0.34). Also, the indirect effect of incompatible schemas on extramarital relationship through the mediating variable of cognitive flexibility was significant (β=0.14, P=0.013). The goodness of fit indices indicated the fit of the assumed research model with the experimental data (X2/df=1.33, GFI=0.95, AGFI=0.92, CFI=0.99, RMSEA=0.038).
Conclusion: Early maladaptive schemas are related to extramarital relationships through the cognitive flexibility variable. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of extramarital relationships by reducing the initial incompatible schemas and strengthening cognitive flexibility in men.
Type of Study: Original Research Article |
Subject:
Psychology
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