Developing a Predictive Model of Emotional Divorce Based on Character Strengths and Personality Traits Mediated by Psychological Capital

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a structural model for predicting emotional divorce based on character strengths and personality traits with the mediating role of psychological capital.Methods and Materials: The research method was applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-correlational in terms of data collection. The statistical population consisted of all couples who sought counseling and psychological services in centers supervised by the Iranian Psychological Association and the Welfare Organization in Tehran in 2022. A total of 360 individuals were selected using a multistage random sampling method. The research utilized the following instruments: Emotional Divorce Scale (Gottman, 1995), Character Strengths Inventory (Peterson & Seligman, 2004), Personality Traits Inventory (Costa & McCrae, 1989), and Psychological Capital Questionnaire (McGee, 2011). Descriptive and inferential statistics (structural equation modeling and Sobel test) were used for data analysis through SPSS and AMOS software.Findings: The findings revealed that the proposed model had a good fit. The results confirmed the direct effect of character strengths on emotional divorce among couples attending counseling centers. Moreover, the indirect effects of courage and temperance on emotional divorce through the mediation of psychological capital were also supported. The direct effects of neuroticism, agreeableness, and conscientiousness on emotional divorce among these couples were confirmed. In addition, the indirect effects of neuroticism, openness to experience, and agreeableness on emotional divorce through the mediating role of psychological capital were confirmed.Conclusion: Therefore, considering these variables can assist researchers and therapists in prevention efforts and the development of more effective interventions.