Predicting Marital Stability Based on Romantic Attachment, Sexual Functioning and Conflict-Resolution strategies in Women with and without Stable Marital Relationships

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Samaneh Noori Alavije ¹

Abbas Amanelahi ²

Mostafa Dehghani ³

¹ MA Student in Family Counseling,, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran

² Professor, Department of Counseling, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.

³ Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran

10.22067/tpccp.2026.95664.1851

Abstract

Extended Abstract
Introduction
Piao et al. (2020) posit that one of the key characteristics of a successful marriage is its stability. This concept refers to the ability of couples to manage conflicts, maintain emotional commitment, and adapt to life pressures. The stability of marital life is influenced by a number of factors, with attachment being of particular significance. Attachment is defined as a relatively stable emotional bond that forms between an infant and its primary caregivers (Huang et al., 2020). It is considered an important factor in interpersonal interactions and marital stability. This bond has been demonstrated to enhance relationship security, thereby promoting increased satisfaction and mental well-being among couples (Khateri, 2024). Another factor affecting the stability of marriage is the quality and satisfaction of sexual function (Park & Harris, 2023). As posited by Huang et al. (2024), the term "sexual dysfunction" is defined by a range of symptoms, including a decline or an increase in sexual desire and arousal, as well as difficulties in achieving orgasm or pain during sexual intercourse. Research has indicated that optimal sexual function can serve as a catalyst for strengthening couples' relationships and preventing the onset of psychological problems and damage to the relationship itself (Izadi et al., 2024). Marital conflicts have been identified as a significant contributing factor to the stability of marriage (Uhlich et al., 2022). Marital conflict can be defined as the evident discrepancies between couples that hinder adaptation and engender issues within the relationship (Kulak et al., 2025). The consequences of this phenomenon include a decline in cooperation, a decrease in sexual intercourse, an increase in emotional reactions, a growth in the distance between spouses, and a reduction in effective communication (Nikooei & Hayati, 2022). The present study aims to simultaneously examine romantic attachment, sexual function, and conflict-Resolution strategies, and seeks to identify variables that have a significant ability to predict women's membership in groups with stable and unstable marital life by using discriminant analysis. The study thereby attempts to provide an applicable model for explaining the stability of marital relationships in women.

Method
The present study constitutes a cross-sectional correlational study, the objective of which was to predict women's group membership (women with stable and unstable marital life) and to achieve a discriminant equation. The statistical population comprised married women in Isfahan province in 2024. As indicated in the methodological recommendations of discriminant analysis, a minimum of 20 observations is required for each independent variable (Cramer, 2004). The research sample comprised 516 individuals, including 326 women with stable marital status and 190 women with unstable marital status. Women with unstable marital life were selected from among the clients of family counselling centers, dispute resolution councils, and family courts, and their inclusion criteria were obtaining a score higher than 28 on the Edwards et al. Marital Instability Index (Edwards et al., 1987). The data were collected using four standard questionnaires: the Behavioral Systems Questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index, Rahim's Resolution Styles Questionnaire, and the Marital Instability Index. The Behavioral Systems Questionnaire was used to measure romantic attachment, the Female Sexual Function Index to assess sexual function, the Rahim's Resolution Systems Questionnaire to measure conflict resolution strategies, and the Marital Instability Index to assess marital stability.

Findings
The present study set out with the objective of conducting a comparison between romantic attachment styles, sexual functioning and conflict-resolution strategies in women with stable and unstable marriages, with a view to identifying the main predictors of marital stability. The descriptive findings indicated that women with stable marriages demonstrated higher levels of secure attachment (mean 30.61, standard deviation 6.92) and integrated conflict-resolution strategy (mean 25.85, standard deviation 3.92). Conversely, women with unstable marriages exhibited elevated levels of preoccupied (mean 34.72, standard deviation 7.36) and dismissing (mean 32.73, standard deviation 5.86) attachment styles. Additionally, they demonstrated reduced functionality in terms of sexual functioning and conflict-resolution strategies. The findings of the study indicated that integrated conflict-resolution strategy and secure attachment were the strongest predictors of marital stability, while preoccupied attachment played a negative role in predicting marital stability. Furthermore, sexual functionality and alternative conflict-resolution strategies were found to have a substantial impact on marital stability, although to a lesser degree. Univariate analyses indicated that secure attachment and integrated conflict-resolution exhibited the greatest discriminatory capacity.

Discussion
The findings indicated that romantic attachment styles, sexual function, and conflict-resolution strategies have the capacity to predict women's membership in groups characterised by stable or unstable marital life. This finding is consistent with the results of previous studies, including those by Wilson et al. (2024), Girma Shifaw (2024), Galati et al. (2023), Adesoye & Akhigbe (2022), and Delatorre & Wagner (2018). This finding can be explained by the hypothesis that couples who exhibit secure attachment patterns tend to possess positive self-perceptions and attitudes towards their partners. They are also characterised by their ability to articulate their emotions and thoughts with ease, and their tendency to foster a secure foundation for their relationship, thereby contributing to its stability and longevity (Dehghani et al., 2025). Furthermore, it has been identified that sexual function is a significant factor in marital stability. This can be explained by the notion that desirable sexual function is associated with an increased sense of emotional security and intimacy in the relationship. In addition, it contributes to the cohesion and stability of the marital relationship by strengthening supportive interactions (Girma Shifaw, 2024). Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that the effective management of marital conflicts has been shown to enhance relationship quality and promote marital stability by increasing happiness, commitment, and cohesion between spouses (Faridouni-Goliyan, 2024). The limitations of the research include convenience sampling, difficulty in accessing the unstable group, and the limitation of the research population to Isfahan province. It is recommended that subsequent research be undertaken with a more diverse samples and encompass variables such as marital resilience and self-differentiation. In conclusion, the gratitude is extended to all participants.

Keywords

Marital Stability

Romantic Attachment

Sexual Function

Conflict Resolution strategies

Subjects

• Family and Marriage

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