Examining the Relationship Between Dysfunctional Beliefs and Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs with the Mediating Role of Metacognitive Beliefs in Women

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the relationship between dysfunctional beliefs and sexual dysfunctional beliefs with the mediating role of metacognitive beliefs in married women. This study employed a descriptive-correlational design using structural equation modeling. The statistical population consisted of all married women aged 30 to 40 working in official bank branches in Bushehr in 2025, from which 266 participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire, the Metacognitions Questionnaire (MCQ-30), and the Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale (DAS). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 28 and AMOS software. The results indicated that components of dysfunctional beliefs, including perfectionism–achievement, need for approval from others, need to please others, and vulnerability–performance evaluation, had significant positive direct effects on sexual dysfunctional beliefs (p<0.05). These components also had significant positive effects on metacognitive beliefs (p<0.01). Furthermore, metacognitive beliefs had a significant positive direct effect on sexual dysfunctional beliefs (p<0.01). Path analysis results revealed that metacognitive beliefs played a significant mediating role in the relationship between dysfunctional beliefs and sexual dysfunctional beliefs (p<0.05). The findings suggest that dysfunctional beliefs influence sexual dysfunctional beliefs through metacognitive mechanisms; therefore, addressing both cognitive and metacognitive beliefs can be effective in improving sexual attitudes and enhancing marital relationship quality.