The Relationship Between Early Maladaptive Schemas, Attitudes Toward Marital Infidelity, and Feelings of Loneliness in Couples
Keywords:
Initial maladaptive schema, attitude towards marital infidelity, feeling of loneliness, couplesAbstract
Objective: The present study aimed to examine the relationship between early maladaptive schemas, loneliness, and attitudes toward marital infidelity, with a focus on the mediating role of loneliness.
Methodology: This descriptive–correlational study was conducted on couples attending counseling centers in Shahrekord. A total sample of 155 participants was selected through convenience sampling. Data collection instruments included the Young Schema Questionnaire (1990), the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Russell, Peplau & Cutrona, 1980), and the Attitudes Toward Marital Infidelity Scale (Whatley, 2006). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling with SmartPLS.
Findings: Results showed that early maladaptive schemas directly predicted both attitudes toward infidelity (β=0.503, p<0.001) and loneliness (β=0.497, p<0.001). Loneliness also significantly predicted attitudes toward infidelity (β=0.286, p=0.018). Moreover, the indirect effect through loneliness was significant (β=0.142, p=0.033). Model fit indices confirmed the adequacy of the conceptual model (R²=0.478, Q²=0.226, NFI=0.93, SRMR=0.076).
Conclusion: The findings indicate that early maladaptive schemas influence attitudes toward marital infidelity both directly and indirectly via loneliness. Thus, loneliness serves as a key mediator in explaining the relationship between maladaptive schemas and attitudes toward infidelity. Addressing these factors in counseling and therapeutic interventions may reduce tendencies toward infidelity among couples.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Seyed Yousef Rasouli, Mehran Azizi Mahmoudabad, Abbas Taghizadeh, Taybeh Karimi Vardanjani (Author)
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