Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Department of Clinical Psychology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
2
Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
10.22038/jfmh.2025.89339.3258
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Marital quality plays a vital role in psychological well-being. Cognitive patterns such as rumination are associated with poorer interpersonal functioning, whereas emotional expression contributes to intimacy and satisfaction in relationships.
Objective: This study aimed to examine whether emotional expression mediates the relationship between rumination and marital quality within the context of Iran's collectivist culture, where emotional restraint is prevalent.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 married adults aged 25–55 in Mashhad, Iran, using Persian-validated versions of the Rumination Scale (Nolen-Hoeksema & Morrow, 1991), Marital Relationship Quality Scale (Pierce, 1990), and Emotional Expression Scale (King & Emmons, 1990). Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and bootstrapped mediation analysis (5,000 resamples, 95% CI) were conducted using AMOS v24.
Results: Rumination negatively predicted emotional expression (β = –0.56, p < .001) and marital quality (β = –0.29, p < .001). Emotional expression positively predicted marital quality (β = 0.49, p < .001) and partially mediated the relationship between rumination and marital quality. The model demonstrated good fit (CFI = 0.96; RMSEA = 0.045).
Conclusion: Emotional expression partially mediates the adverse effect of rumination on marital quality. These findings underscore the value of culturally sensitive, emotion-focused interventions in collectivist societies like Iran, where emotional suppression is normative. However, due to the study’s cross-sectional design, causal interpretations are limited, and longitudinal research is recommended for future investigations.
Keywords: Rumination, Emotional expression, Marital quality, Mediation, Collectivist culture, Iran, Cross-sectional study
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