Predicting the Tendency to Divorce Based on Communication Beliefs and Emotional Expressiveness with the Mediation of Distress Tolerance in Conflicting Couples

Abstract

This study aimed to predict the tendency to divorce based on communication beliefs and emotional expressiveness with the mediating role of distress tolerance in conflicting couples. This applied, quantitative, descriptive-correlational study employed structural equation modeling. The statistical population included men and women who referred to ten psychological clinics in Kashan City in 2023 due to marital conflicts and communication problems. A total of 273 participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Divorce Propensity Questionnaire (Rozelt, 1987), the Communication Beliefs Questionnaire (Eidelson & Epstein, 2003), the Emotional Expressiveness Questionnaire (King & Emmons, 1996), and the Distress Tolerance Scale (Simons & Gaher, 2005). Pearson’s correlation and SEM analyses (AMOS-24) were used for data analysis. Results showed that communication beliefs and emotional expressiveness significantly predicted the tendency to divorce through the mediating role of distress tolerance (p<0.05). The direct effects of emotional expressiveness on distress tolerance and communication beliefs on distress tolerance were also significant. Model fit indices (GFI=0.90, CFI=0.90, RMSEA=0.07) confirmed acceptable model adequacy. Overall, 51% of the variance in divorce tendency was explained by the predictor variables. Irrational communication beliefs, low emotional expressiveness, and poor distress tolerance play significant roles in increasing the tendency toward divorce. Enhancing communication beliefs, improving emotional expressiveness, and strengthening distress tolerance may reduce divorce tendencies and foster marital stability.