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Original Article

Prediction couples marital satisfaction based on

emotion regulation
Abdolla Omidi, Ensieh Talighi1
Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, 1Department of Clinical Psychology,
Islamic Azad University, Khorasgan, Isfahan, Iran

Address for Correspondence:
Ensieh Talighi,
MA of Clinical Psychology, Islamic
Azad University, Science and Research
Branch, Tehran (Isfahan), Iran.
Email:talighi@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Aim: This study aimed to predict the share of emotional adjustment and its components in marital
satisfaction. Methods: In this study, were randomly selected 100 couples(200 persons) of the couples
Kashan and answered to emotion regulation questionnaire of Graz and Enrich marital satisfaction
questionnaire. Given that the study was descriptive to test the hypotheses were used the Pearson correlation
coefficient and multiple regression. Results: The results showed that emotion regulation factors other than
a lack of emotional awareness have a significant negative relationship with marital satisfaction(P>0.01)
and impulse control problems, lack of emotional awareness, and lack of emotional clarity nice to be able
to predict marital satisfaction(P>0.05). Conclusion: Regarding the relationship of emotional regulation
and its components with marital satisfaction, organizations, and family therapy clinics can take advantage
of this variable in improving marital satisfaction and contribute to better human relations.
Key words: Couple, emotion regulation, marital satisfaction

Introduction satisfaction by identifying the factors that influence

Marital satisfaction is defined as the couple perception
amount from that its partner to meet their needs and
desires.[1] It seems that it is, directly and indirectly, have
related to the stability of the family unit and a better quality
of life. While it is recognized marriage dissatisfaction
leads to stress, anxiety, and even lead to the dissolution
of the family unit.[2] Several studies have supported the
proposition that a couples satisfactory relationship to
improve their mental and physical health.[3]
Among all spheres of life, the most stable emotional
challenges are maybe marriage and family relations,[4] as
a result it is not surprising that theoretical and empirical
studies have examined the factors that lead to satisfaction
from close intimate relationships.
One of the main objectives of the research about the
relationship between couples is predicting the marital
the quality of interaction between couples. [5] It is
known that there is a relationship between marital
satisfaction and personality factors such as openness
and conscientiousness, [1] neuroticism, [2] identity of
maturation,[6] communication irrational beliefs,[7] need
to control,[8] emotional skills,[4] streak of hostilities in one
of the couple,[9] and demographic variables such as age and
education,[10] amount of income,[11] and attachment style.[12]
Along with marital satisfaction, one of the factors that
are associated with a couple of problems is setting and
emotional control. Emotional adjustment is the process
of starting, maintaining, modification or variation in
the incidence, severity, and persistence of inner feelings
and emotions associated with psychosocial and physical
processes in accomplish individual goals.[13] In fact,
emotion regulation is not only emotional suppression
but also includes processes for monitoring and changing

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DOI:
How to cite this article: Omidi A, Talighi E. Prediction couples marital
10.4103/2395-2296.204120
satisfaction based on emotion regulation. Int J Educ Psychol Res 0;0:0.

2017 International Journal of Educational and Psychological Researches | Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow 1
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Omidi and Talighi: Emotion regulation
the emotional experiences of the person.[14] With regard to
emotional regulation refers to the regulation of emotional
processes to compare performance[15] and at the same
time is a learned behavior which must be imprinted
in person from of childhood, parents can by providing
nonformal educational environment cause(strengthen
the control of excitement) and interest of children to solve
problems(conflictcausing) through ability to evaluate,
monitor and targeted.[16] This can be effective in couples
during interpersonal problems. Also concluded that
interactions and parents education plays an important
role in predicting childrens emotional selfregulated
learning. This, in turn, is associated with the use of
emotional selfregulation behavior[16] and can help a person
to use the best strategy to solve interpersonal conflicts
especially couples.
The human need to many skills for social life, one of these
skills is an emotional regulation skill. Understanding
your feelings and emotions and how to set and correct
expression of emotions, how to create a living and
advancement in life, skill, and ability to make decisions,
creative thinking and innovative thinking, skills of friendly
relations, selfknowledge and awareness of their strengths
and weaknesses, problemsolving ability, ability to cope
with stress, understanding the feelings and emotions of
others, coping with groups pressure and social adjustment
are the most important issues in life.
Lack of these skills causes person in the face of stress use in
effective and maladaptive behaviors. Besides the evidence
about the effectiveness of emotion regulation skills for
marital satisfaction, abundant evidence shows that couples
in modern societies to establish hand manage their
relationships with their husbands faced with numerous
and inclusive problems. It is clear that defects in emotional
skills of wives along with other factors affect their common
life adversely. Research evidence has shown that emotional
skills increase the ability to withstand the life stress
and solve the daily problems and plays an important
role in the compatibility and continuity of the marital
relationship. The concept of emotional intelligence shows
why two people with the same intelligence quotient may be
achieved vastly different degrees of success in life.[17] This
study aimed to predict the share of emotional adjustment
and its components in marital satisfaction.
A qualitative study conducted by Helmeke and
Sprenkle(2000) achieved such a result: Altering and fateful
moments in couple therapy, its moments that person
experiences his individuality, this moment in addition to
being imbued with hope and openness references problems
2 International Journal of Educational and Psychological Researches / Volume XX / Issue XX / Month 2017
shape and form significantly. It is worth noting that before
the start of such moments in treatment, therapists should
identify and review key emotional issues and experienced
by each spouse. William James(1998) considered emotions
as physiological reaction and adaptive behavioral that is
called directly by the important positions. In this view,
emotions are considered as reactive tendencies.[18] In
an evolutionary perspective, emotion is the legacy that
has remained for us from the first humans and hence,
because of its special functions still remains in humankind.
Emotion helps to humans to adaptive respond to problems
and opportunities That happen in life.[19] Almost all the
new theories that have been proposed in the area of
emotion emphasize its adaptation and positive role in
human behavior.[20]
Methods
The study was descriptive and correlational. In analyzing
the data, after the implementation of arrangements for
descriptive data(mean, standard deviation), to investigate
the relationship between marital satisfaction and emotion
regulation and predicted marital satisfaction using the
components of emotional regulation were used Pearson
correlation and multiple regression analysis.
Population, sample, and sampling methods
The population of this study was all couples in Kashan
during 1393 that 100 couples(100female, 100male) were
selected using multistage random sampling method from
five districts in the city of Kashan. The inclusion criteria
for the study were living with a spouse with at least starting
from 5years ago and living together already. After selecting
the sample of the study, before running questionnaire,
was given the participants information about the subject
of research as far as on results is not affected and after
ensure the voluntary attendance and after necessary
explanations,the couple completed the two forms and in
secret put in the box of completed questionnaires, thus
the greatest efforts was performed to reduce bias.
Research instrument
Enrich marital satisfaction questionnaire
The questionnaire consisted of 115 questions with a
5point scale which measure marital satisfaction in
the form of 12 subscale. Each of the 11 scale of the
questionnaire has 10 questions, and another scale in the
name of the distortion of the ideal has five questions.
High scores on this questionnaire is a sign of satisfaction,
and low score indicates dissatisfaction of the marital
relationship.[18] This scale has been used in many studies
and has demonstrated good reliability and validity. In
research of Vadatniya(2005) for this scale Cronbachs
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Omidi and Talighi: Emotion regulation

alpha was obtained 0.86 and renewed reliability coefficient
was obtained 0.86. Correlation with 1point scale of life
satisfaction was for men 0.71 and women 0.77. Correlation
with family satisfaction scale(scores of couples) was 0.71
and(individual score) was 0.66.[21]
Emotion regulation questionnaire
In this study, emotion regulation was measured with
emotional adjustment questionnaire of 21 questions.
The questionnaire was made in 2004 by Graz and with
36 items is a multidimensional selfreport questionnaire
that is assessed patterns of emotional regulation. This
questionnaire is composed of six scales: The denial of
emotional responses, difficulty in engaging in behaviors
leading up to the goal, impulse control problems, lack
of emotional awareness, restrictions on the path to
emotional regulation and a lack of emotional clarity. This
questionnaire has very good internal consistency(0.93),
and the reliability of its subscales with Cronbachs
alpha for each subscale is more than 0.80, and it is
very important. Aminian(2009)[22,23] was calculated the
reliability of the questionnaire by Cronbachs that was
obtained for the whole questionnaire 0.86 and 0.80
respectively which indicates acceptable coefficients for
mentioned questionnaire. Reliability of questionnaire
of emotion regulation fluctuates between 0.54 and 0.86.
Statistical methods
In analyzing the data, after the implementation of
arrangements for descriptive data(mean, standard
deviation), to investigate the relationship between marital
satisfaction and emotion regulation and predicted marital
satisfaction using the components of emotional regulation
were used Pearson correlation and multiple regression
analysis. Research statistical operations were analyzed
using SPSS software version20 (IBM Company, USA).
Results
The mean age of the sample is 32.70years with standard
deviation 5.77. Twentysix members of the sample were
high school graduates. Seventyone persons were students,
and 64 persons had undergraduate degrees. Thirtynine
people had masters degrees and higher. Descriptive
findings the couples marital satisfaction and emotional
adjustment factors are presented according to sex in
Table1.
There is a significant difference between women and
their partners in marital satisfaction, error in partnership
in behaviors leading to the goal, lack of emotional
awareness, and limitations on access to emotion regulation
strategies(P<0.05). Marital satisfaction and lack of
emotional awareness of men is less than their wives.
Component scores of error in partnership in behaviors
leading up to the goal and limitations on access to emotion
regulation strategies in men are more than their wives.
In Table2, the mean and standard deviation of marital
satisfaction and emotion regulation components, have

Table1: The average and standard deviation of marital satisfaction and emotional adjustment factors based on sex
Scale Men Women df t Significance level
Mean SD Mean SD
Marital satisfaction 42.29 11.32 45.44 9.64 198 2.11 0.03
Rejection of emotional responses 13.08 4.48 12.72 5.38 198 0.51 0.60
Error in partnership 14.71 4.04 13.15 3.78 198 2.81 0.01
Impulse control problems 14.26 5.21 13.31 4.72 198 1.35 0.18
Lack of emotional awareness 16.08 4.07 17.52 3.80 198 2.58 0.01
Limitations on access 19.00 5.24 17.53 5.00 198 2.02 0.04
Lack of emotional clarity 10.53 3.70 10.70 3.38 198 0.33 0.73

SD: Standard deviation

Table2: Mean and standard deviation and correlation coefficient of marital satisfaction and emotional adjustment
component
Scale Mean SD 1 2 3 4 5 6
Marital satisfaction 43.86 10.60 1.00
Rejection of emotional 12.90 4.94 0.25** 1.00
responses
Error in partner ship 13.93 3.98 0.35** 0.44** 1.00
Impulse control problems 13.78 4.98 0.42** 0.57** 0.71** 1.00
Lack of emotional awareness 16.80 3.99 0.03 0.11 0.02 0.22** 1.00
Limitations on access 18.26 5.16 0.34** 0.61** 0.59** 0.67** 0.17* 1.00
Lack of emotional clarity 10.62 3.54 0.25** 0.22** 0.25** 0.39** 0.51** 0.35**

*Non-significant, **Significant

International Journal of Educational and Psychological Researches / Volume XX / Issue XX / Month 2017 3
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Omidi and Talighi: Emotion regulation
been brought generally and are presented Pearson
correlation coefficient of scales under study.
The average marital satisfaction is 43.86, and its standard
deviation is equal to 10.60. The highest among the
components of emotional regulation is to limitations
on access to emotion regulation strategies with 18.26,
and the lowest average is for the lack of emotional clarity
with 10.62. There is a significant negative relationship
between marital satisfaction with the components of the
rejection of emotional responses, error in partnership
in behaviors leading up to the goal, impulse control
problems, limitations on access to emotion regulation
strategies and a lack of emotional clarity(P<0.01). This
means that with the high scores of emotional factors,
the scores of marital satisfaction will be lower. To check
the components of emotional regulation on marital
satisfaction was used of simultaneous regression. In this
model were entered the emotional component as predictor
variables and marital satisfaction as criterion variables.
The results of the regression model are shown in Table3.
Regression model predicted marital satisfaction based
on emotional adjustment component is meaningful with
F=8.25 at the level of P<0.01. According to the adjusted
coefficient of determination, 21% of the variance in
marital satisfaction scores are affected by components of
emotional regulation. Standardized regression coefficient
and its significance level is given in Table4.
Components of impulse control problems, lack of
emotional awareness and lack of emotional clarity can
predict marital satisfaction at the level of P<0.05. The
highest regression coefficient related to the impulse
control problems with the0.03 and lowest regression
coefficient related to the rejection of emotional responses
with the 0.02.
Discussion and Conclusion
The aim of this study was to predict the couples marital
satisfaction is based on emotion regulation. The results
show that there is a significant negative relationship
between marital satisfaction with the components of the
rejection of emotional responses, error in partnership
in behaviors leading up to the goal, impulse control
problems, limitations on access to emotion regulation
Table3: Regression models predict marital satisfaction based on components of emotional regulation
Model Sum of squares df Meare
Marital satisfaction 4574.86 6 762.47
4 International Journal of Educational and Psychological Researches / Volume XX / Issue XX / Month 2017
strategies, and a lack of emotional clarity(P<0.01). This
means that with high emotional component scores will
be lower scores of marital satisfaction. However, it can be
said that the findings of research are consistent partially
with the findings of researchers who believe that emotion
regulation is required to some activate cognitive processes
and variety of cognitive processes lead to different and
separate emotion regulation strategies. Effective regulation
of emotion able to reduces strongly negative emotional
responses to distressing situations.[19] As Table4 shows,
components of impulse control problems, lack of emotional
awareness and lack of emotional clarity are able to predict
marital satisfaction at the level of P<0.05 and the highest
regression coefficient related to the impulse control
problems with the0.03 and lowest regression coefficient
related to the rejection of emotional responses with the
0.02. Emotion regulation is not emotional suppression,
but one should not always be in a state of the quiet of
emotional arousal. Instead, emotional regulation includes
supervisory processes and change a persons emotional
experiences.[14] Emotions are in high quality in this way
which can cause a positive or negative reaction in people.
If they are proportionate to situations and conditions
reactions are positive, otherwise reactions are negative.
Thus, when emotions are severe or prolonged or do not
comply with the conditions, setup is necessary. Because
the absence of emotional regulation and fast response in
the form of momentlongterm created many problems in
interpersonal relationships, especially to couples and over
time, lead to the couples marital dissatisfaction and icy
relations.[18] However, the emotional control allows one
to think and act better against environmental stimuli and
build stronger interpersonal relationships especially to his
own wife. Confronting, as a response to the excitement
is affected emotional intelligence; people who have high
emotional intelligence their emotional states understand
and evaluate correctly and know when and how to express
their feelings and could regulate their mood effectively.
These capabilities make the successful confronting by
certain currents. The flow includes detailed knowledge of
excitement and emotions resolution, however emotional
knowledge helps to emotion regulation. The ability of
emotion regulation leads to preservation and improvement
of the peoples mood. People who do not have the ability
to regulate emotions are more likely to be influenced by
environmental factors and do not have good impulse
control. Because the impulse control is ability to resistor
F Significance level R The adjusted coefficient
of determination
8.25 0.01 0.45 0.21
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Omidi and Talighi: Emotion regulation
Table4: Regression coefficients components of emotional
regulation on marital satisfaction
Scale Standardized t Significance
beta coefficient
Fixed amount 14.26
Rejection of 0.02 0.20
emotional responses
Error in partner ship 0.07 0.69
Impulse control 0.03 2.75
problems
Lack of emotional 0.14 1.71
awareness
Limitations on 0.07 0.77
access
Lack of emotional 0.16 1.92
clarity
delay the drives, impulses or temptation to act, as well as
acceptance of aggressive impulses, and selfmanagement,
anger control, high frustration tolerance, ability to
problems control and restraint and since the in common
life, in the face of difficulties, feelings of frustration and
humiliation, etc., emotions rather than reason and logic
to overcome the wives, therefore, cognition and emotions
guide is very important to maintain marital relations.
According to conducted researches on the relationship
between spouses, it seems that emotional adjustment
factors can contribute to marital satisfaction. Couples
intimate relationships are required communication skills;
such as attention to the issues from the perspective of
their husband, ability to empathetic understand what
their husbands have experienced as well as being sensitive
and aware of her needs.[18] Couples who have higher
consciousness and know how their emotions express
toward others, especially their husbands and will prevent
many of the conflicts and misunderstandings in their
sexual relationships. In regard to marital satisfaction can
be expected that with increasing levels of satisfaction
and mental health reduced many of the problems of
mental, emotional, and social. The results of this study are
consistent with findings of Ascher etal., Hiunand etal.,
Dunham, Mirgain and Cordova, Cordova etal., Yelsma
and Sherilyn.[2428]
Furthermore, research of Olson showed that consent of
the marriage correlated with the consent of family life 70%
and with life satisfaction 67%. In the other words, different
researchers have tried from different aspects of sociology,
anthropology, psychology, etc., to offer with new solutions
to prepare more areas of continuity and cohesion of the
family. Because of the emotional regulation especially
impulse control of individuals in family and couple
relationships play an important role in peoples integrity
and marital satisfaction, therefore, marital satisfaction has
been the subject of numerous research but little research
International Journal of Educational and Psychological Researches / Volume XX / Issue XX / Month 2017
has been conducted on the characteristics of emotion
regulation.[29]
level In explaining findings of this study can be said whatever
0.01 couples more control over their emotions in terms of
0.83 emotional regulation, they experience strength and more
0.45 satisfying in marital relationships. In relations between
0.01 spouses, if the person can manage his feelings in terms of
emotional regulation, as a result in relationship with his
0.04
wife are experienced relationship problem sand fewer bad
0.43 feelings, so can be expected high marital satisfaction. In the
other words, people who are in trouble because of lack of
0.04
impulse control or familiarity with emotions and set them
up and make the perfect solution to create excitement and
lack of control in their relationships with their husband,
mutually their wives are also experiencing a sense of
dissatisfaction and over time goes down subsequent
marital satisfaction.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
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