The relationship between emotion regulation and marital satisfaction using the actor-partner interdependence model

Abstract

Objectives The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between emotion regulation dimensions and marital satisfaction along with assessing the moderating role of gender factor. Methods This is a descriptive/correlational study. Participants were 156 married couples living in Tehran, Iran who were recruited using a convenience sampling method. They were measured using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). In order to explore dyadic relationships, data were analyzed using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM). Results Both in husbands and wives, the emotion regulation ability was predictive of their marital satisfaction. Wives’ scores in all 6 dimensions of emotion regulation and their husbands’ scores in all dimensions except in “awareness” was positively associated with their marital satisfaction. Acceptance of emotions, goal-directed behavior, impulse control, and access to regulation strategies in men predicted their wives’ marital satisfaction, while impulse control, access to regulation strategies, and understanding of emotions in women predicted their husbands’ marital satisfaction. The results did not support the moderating role of gender. Conclusion The findings highlight the importance of focus on emotion regulation and its multiple dimensions in assessment and treatment of problems in couples. The use of dyadic data analysis is recommended to better understand the interpersonal phenomena.