Developing a Model of Marital Commitment Based on Early Maladaptive Schemas with the Mediating Role of We-ness in Couples with Low Adjustment

Authors

    Maryam Imeni Department of Psychology, To.C., Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran.
    Seyedeh Zahra Sadati * Department of Psychology, QaS.C., Islamic Azad University, Qaemshahr, Iran. 2180265255@iau.ir

Keywords:

marital commitment, early maladaptive schemas, we-ness, marital adjustment

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a model of marital commitment based on early maladaptive schemas, with we-ness as a mediating variable, among couples with low marital adjustment. The research was fundamental in nature and employed a descriptive–correlational approach using structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population included all married couples with low adjustment who referred to private counseling centers in Karaj in 2024. Using convenience sampling and based on Kline’s (2011) recommendation, 300 couples (300 men and 300 women) were selected. Data were collected through standardized questionnaires, including: the Marital Adjustment Questionnaire (Spanier, 1976), the Marital Commitment Questionnaire (Adams et al., 1997), the Short Form of the Young Schema Questionnaire for Early Maladaptive Schemas (Young, 1998), and the We-ness in Couple Relationships Questionnaire (Cruz et al., 2023). Data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS (version 26). The findings showed a significant relationship between early maladaptive schemas and marital commitment, and that we-ness in the couple relationship mediates the effects of these variables on marital commitment. The conceptual model also demonstrated an acceptable fit based on statistical indices. The results indicate that reducing the intensity of early maladaptive schemas by strengthening we-ness can improve marital commitment.

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References

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Published

2026-05-01

Submitted

2025-09-28

Revised

2025-10-05

Accepted

2025-12-29

How to Cite

Imeni, M., & Sadati, S. Z. (2026). Developing a Model of Marital Commitment Based on Early Maladaptive Schemas with the Mediating Role of We-ness in Couples with Low Adjustment. Mental Health and Lifestyle Journal, 4(3), 1-12. https://mhljournal.com/index.php/mhlj/article/view/172

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