Structural Equation Modeling

This study aimed to examine the relationship between social cognition and loneliness in gifted underachievers, with a specific focus on the mediating role of rejection sensitivity. A descriptive correlational design was employed with a sample of 399 gifted underachieving adolescents from Argentina, selected according to Morgan and Krejcie's (1970) sample size table. Standardized tools were used to assess social cognition, rejection sensitivity, and loneliness. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-27 and AMOS-21. Pearson correlation was used to evaluate bivariate relationships between variables, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was applied to test the proposed mediational model. Fit indices, including χ², RMSEA, GFI, CFI, and TLI, were reported to evaluate model adequacy. Results indicated that social cognition was significantly and negatively correlated with both rejection sensitivity (r = –.43, p < .01) and loneliness (r = –.39, p < .01). Rejection sensitivity showed a significant positive correlation with loneliness (r = .58, p < .01). SEM analysis confirmed the mediating role of rejection sensitivity in the relationship between social cognition and loneliness. The indirect path from social cognition to loneliness via rejection sensitivity was significant (β = –.28, p < .001), and the total effect of social cognition on loneliness was substantial (β = –.49, p < .001). Model fit indices indicated a good fit (χ²/df = 2.22, CFI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.054). These findings suggest that deficits in social cognition contribute to heightened feelings of loneliness in gifted underachievers, primarily through increased sensitivity to perceived rejection. Interventions aimed at reducing rejection sensitivity may mitigate the impact of social cognitive difficulties on emotional well-being in this vulnerable group.

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to develop and validate a structural model of marital satisfaction among married women, based on self-differentiation, critical thinking, and emotional self-regulation, with happiness as a mediating variable. Methods and Materials: This study utilized a quantitative, descriptive-correlational design with a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach. The sample comprised married women who visited the counseling centers at the University of Tehran between January 2023 and August 2023. A total of 330 participants were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using validated questionnaires, including the Self-Differentiation Scale, Critical Thinking Questionnaire, Emotional Self-Regulation Scale, Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, and ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale. The data were analyzed using SEM to assess the model's fit and test the hypothesized relationships between variables. Findings: The results indicated that the proposed structural model fit the data well, with satisfactory model fit indices (χ²/df = 3.618, RMSEA = .061, CFI = .923). Self-differentiation (β = .217, p = .033), critical thinking (β = .230, p = .01), and emotional self-regulation (β = .201, p = .01) had significant direct effects on marital satisfaction. Additionally, happiness significantly mediated the relationships between self-differentiation (β = .229, p = .01), critical thinking (β = .178, p = .01), and emotional self-regulation (β = .200, p = .01) with marital satisfaction. Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of self-differentiation, critical thinking, and emotional self-regulation as key factors influencing marital satisfaction among married women. The mediating role of happiness highlights its significance in enhancing marital satisfaction by fostering positive emotions and reducing stress.

Objective: This study aims to examine the structural model of adolescent self-control within the family context, focusing on the contributions of parenting styles, family emotional support, and cognitive flexibility, with rumination as a mediating factor. Methods and Materials: Using a correlational design, this study targeted a population of adolescents aged 12–18 years attending urban schools in Azarshahr, Iran, in 2023. A sample of 385 adolescents was selected via multi-stage cluster sampling. Data were collected using validated instruments: the Parenting Styles Questionnaire (Darling & Toyokawa, 1997), Family Emotional Support Scale (Pierce, Sarason, & Sarason, 1991), Cognitive Flexibility Scale (Dennis & Vander Wal, 2010), and Rumination Response Scale (Nolen-Hoeksema & Morrow, 1991). Data analysis was conducted using SmartPLS software, applying structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the hypothesized model. Findings: The findings revealed significant direct effects of parenting styles, family emotional support, and cognitive flexibility on adolescent self-control (p < .05, effect size = .2). Rumination significantly mediated the relationships between these factors and self-control, underscoring its role within this dynamic. Conclusion: The results indicate that fostering positive parenting styles, supportive family environments, and flexible cognitive abilities can enhance adolescent self-control, with reduced rumination serving as a beneficial mediator. This model highlights the potential of family-centered approaches in promoting adolescent self-regulation.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the direct and indirect relationships between spousal support and marital satisfaction, with gratitude expression as a mediating variable. Methods and Materials: A descriptive correlational design was employed with 370 married individuals from Armenia, selected based on the Morgan and Krejcie sampling table. Data were collected using standardized instruments for marital satisfaction, spousal support, and gratitude expression. Analyses were conducted in two stages: Pearson correlation analysis in SPSS-27 to examine bivariate associations, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in AMOS-21 to test the hypothesized mediating model. Model fit was evaluated using established indices, including χ²/df, GFI, AGFI, CFI, TLI, and RMSEA. Findings: Pearson correlations revealed that spousal support was significantly associated with both marital satisfaction (r = .58, p < .001) and gratitude expression (r = .51, p < .001), while gratitude expression was also correlated with marital satisfaction (r = .46, p < .001). SEM demonstrated acceptable model fit (χ²/df = 1.93, GFI = 0.93, AGFI = 0.91, CFI = 0.96, TLI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.049). Direct effects showed that spousal support positively predicted marital satisfaction (β = 0.37, p < .001) and gratitude expression (β = 0.44, p < .001), while gratitude expression also predicted marital satisfaction (β = 0.29, p = .001). The indirect effect of spousal support on marital satisfaction through gratitude expression was significant (β = 0.13, p = .002), confirming partial mediation. Conclusion: Findings underscore the dual importance of supportive behaviors and gratitude expression in shaping marital satisfaction. Spousal support enhances satisfaction both directly and indirectly by fostering gratitude, suggesting that couples who both provide support and express appreciation are more likely to sustain fulfilling relationships.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the mediating role of family cohesion in the relationship between family economic hardship and adolescent risk-taking. Methods and Materials: A descriptive correlational research design was employed with a sample of 520 adolescents recruited from secondary schools in India, determined through Morgan and Krejcie’s sample size table. Data were collected using standardized self-report instruments: the Adolescent Risk-Taking Questionnaire (ARQ), the Economic Hardship Questionnaire (EHQ), and the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES IV). Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS-27 and AMOS-21. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to determine associations among variables, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was performed to test the hypothesized mediation model. Model fit was evaluated using Chi-square, χ²/df, GFI, AGFI, CFI, TLI, and RMSEA indices. Findings: Results indicated that family economic hardship was positively correlated with adolescent risk-taking (r = .42, p = .001) and negatively correlated with family cohesion (r = −.40, p = .001). Family cohesion was inversely related to adolescent risk-taking (r = −.36, p = .002). The SEM analysis demonstrated adequate model fit (χ²/df = 2.17, GFI = .93, AGFI = .90, CFI = .95, TLI = .94, RMSEA = .048). Direct paths showed that family economic hardship significantly predicted adolescent risk-taking (β = .38, p = .001) and negatively predicted family cohesion (β = −.41, p = .001). Family cohesion negatively predicted adolescent risk-taking (β = −.29, p = .002). The indirect effect of economic hardship on risk-taking via cohesion was significant (β = .12, p = .006), supporting the mediation hypothesis. Conclusion: Findings highlight that family cohesion partially mediates the link between economic hardship and adolescent risk-taking. Strengthening family cohesion may buffer adolescents from the adverse effects of financial strain and serve as a practical target for interventions aimed at reducing risk behaviors.

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of narcissistic tendencies on marital relationship stability and examine the mediating role of emotional maturity in couples. Methods and Materials: This study employed a descriptive-correlational design and was conducted among married couples residing in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran. A total of 384 couples were selected using multistage cluster sampling. Inclusion criteria included at least two years of marital experience and no history of severe psychological disorders. Data were collected using three standardized instruments: the Marital Instability Index (MII), the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI), and the Emotional Maturity Scale (EMS). The psychometric properties of these tools were confirmed through Cronbach’s alpha and split-half reliability. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and structural equation modeling (SEM) via SPSS and AMOS software. Bootstrapping was also employed to test the mediating effect. Findings: The results revealed that narcissistic tendencies were significantly and negatively associated with marital relationship stability (β = -0.32, p < .001). Emotional maturity was found to have a significant positive effect on marital stability (β = 0.43, p < .001) and a significant negative relationship with narcissistic tendencies (β = -0.38, p < .001). Importantly, emotional maturity partially mediated the relationship between narcissistic tendencies and marital stability (indirect effect β = -0.16, p < .01), and the total effect of narcissism on marital instability was substantial (β = -0.48, p < .001). The proposed model demonstrated a good fit to the data with acceptable fit indices. Conclusion: The findings suggest that narcissistic traits undermine marital stability directly and indirectly by reducing emotional maturity. Emotional maturity serves as a protective factor that enhances relational resilience. These results highlight the importance of addressing emotional development and personality traits in marital counseling and relationship education.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sexist parenting style, cognitive emotion regulation strategies, and the perpetration of domestic violence against women by married men. Methods and Materials: A correlational design was used involving 300 married men selected through convenience sampling from medical centers in Qazvin. Participants completed the Mohseni Tabrizi Domestic Violence Questionnaire and the Garnefski Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and structural equation modeling using LISREL 8.80 were conducted to analyze the data. Model fit was assessed using indices including Chi-square, RMSEA, CFI, and TLI. Findings: Results indicated that sexist parenting style was positively associated with domestic violence perpetration (β = .51, p < .001). Maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies were also significantly associated with increased violent behavior (β = -.39, p < .001). Model fit indices demonstrated a good fit (χ²/df = 1.41, RMSEA = .037, CFI = .97, TLI = .96). Additionally, sexist parenting and emotion regulation interacted positively in predicting violence, suggesting that both factors jointly contribute to abusive behavior. Conclusion: The findings underscore the critical role of sexist parenting and maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies in perpetuating domestic violence against women. These results highlight the need for preventive interventions focusing on gender-sensitive parenting practices and training in adaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies among men to reduce the prevalence of domestic violence.

Objective: This study aimed to design and validate a structural model of marital satisfaction based on the components of systemic–spiritual couple therapy, with the mediating role of the family power structure. Methods and Materials: The research adopted a descriptive–correlational design with an applied objective. The statistical population included all couples in Isfahan who had been married for at least five years. Using convenience sampling, 384 participants (192 couples) were selected from counseling centers. Participants completed the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire, the Family Power Structure Questionnaire, and the Systemic–Spiritual Couple Therapy Scale. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and structural equation modeling (SEM) with AMOS software. Findings: Results showed that systemic–spiritual couple therapy had a significant positive effect on marital satisfaction (β = 0.54, p < 0.001) and on the family power structure (β = 0.61, p < 0.001). The family power structure also significantly predicted marital satisfaction (β = 0.24, p < 0.01), confirming its mediating role. The overall model demonstrated good fit indices, supporting the hypothesized relationships among variables. Regression analysis also revealed that the components of systemic–spiritual couple therapy and family power structure together explained 25% of the variance in marital satisfaction (R² = 0.25, F = 66.51, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The findings support the effectiveness of systemic–spiritual couple therapy in enhancing marital satisfaction, both directly and indirectly through improvements in family power dynamics. The proposed model underscores the importance of integrating spiritual and systemic interventions with structural family variables to improve relationship outcomes.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate a causal model of marital quality of life based on psychological resilience with the mediating role of sexual satisfaction in married teachers. Methods and Materials: The research employed a descriptive-correlational design using structural equation modeling (SEM). The sample consisted of 375 married teachers selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), the Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire by Hudson et al., and the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS) by Busby et al. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses were conducted using SPSS and AMOS software. Assumptions of normality, linearity, and multicollinearity were checked and confirmed prior to model testing. Findings: The results revealed a significant direct effect of resilience on marital quality of life (β = 0.42, p < 0.001), indicating that higher resilience is associated with greater marital quality among married teachers. However, the indirect effect of resilience on marital quality of life through sexual satisfaction was not statistically significant (β = 0.10, p = 0.113), suggesting that sexual satisfaction does not mediate the relationship between resilience and marital well-being in this population. Model fit indices confirmed the adequacy of the proposed model (χ²/df = 2.54, RMSEA = 0.05, CFI = 0.94, NFI = 0.91, GFI = 0.95, AGFI = 0.93). Conclusion: Resilience plays a crucial and independent role in enhancing marital quality of life among married teachers, while sexual satisfaction, despite its overall importance, does not serve as a mediating factor in this relationship. The findings underscore the importance of psychological strengths in marital dynamics and suggest the need for interventions that enhance resilience to promote relational well-being, especially in high-stress professional contexts.