نقش واسطه‌ای خودکارآمدی زناشویی و تنظیم هیجان در رابطه بین ابعاد دلبستگی و احساس تنهایی در مادران کودکان نوپا

Motherhood represents one of the most profound developmental transitions in a woman’s life. Beyond the joy and emotional fulfillment that accompany raising a child, it also introduces complex psychological, emotional, and social challenges that may disrupt a woman’s mental equilibrium. The early years of parenting, particularly when a child is between one and three years old, are characterized by significant changes in identity, roles, and interpersonal dynamics. These changes often expose mothers to increased levels of stress, fatigue, and emotional isolation. Recent empirical studies have shown that loneliness is one of the most frequently reported emotional difficulties among mothers of toddlers, often leading to lower marital satisfaction, parental burnout, and heightened psychological distress (Beasley et al., 2022; Arimoto & Tadaka, 2021).

From a theoretical standpoint, Bowlby’s attachment theory (1988) provides a robust framework for understanding how early-life attachment experiences shape adult emotional and relational functioning. According to this theory, early interactions with primary caregivers create internal working models that influence expectations, behaviors, and emotions in close relationships across the lifespan. Individuals with secure attachment typically experience greater emotional stability and social connectedness, whereas those with insecure attachment styles—avoidant or ambivalent—tend to exhibit emotional dysregulation, fear of intimacy, or dependency on others for emotional reassurance (Cassidy & Shaver, 2016). These maladaptive attachment patterns have been strongly linked to feelings of loneliness and relational dissatisfaction in adulthood (Shorter et al., 2022).

In cultural contexts such as Iran, where the family unit is considered the central emotional and social structure, the role of mothers extends beyond caregiving to encompass emotional regulation within the household. Mothers are often expected to maintain harmony, provide psychological stability, and nurture both children and spouses (Hemati-Alamdarloo et al., 2017). However, these societal expectations can also heighten pressure and amplify feelings of inadequacy or isolation, especially when mothers lack emotional or marital support. Therefore, it is essential to examine the mechanisms through which attachment patterns influence emotional well-being—specifically, how marital self-efficacy and emotion regulation serve as mediating factors between attachment styles and perceived loneliness among Iranian mothers of toddlers.



Methods:

This study employed a descriptive-correlational design within the framework of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test a theoretically grounded mediation model. The statistical population comprised mothers of toddlers (aged 1–3 years) residing in Tehran during 2024. Using a convenience sampling method, 330 participants were recruited. Inclusion criteria required participants to be married, the biological mother of a child within the specified age range, and willing to provide informed consent.

The study utilized four validated instruments:

Adult Attachment Scale (AAS; Collins & Read, 1990) – to measure secure, avoidant, and ambivalent attachment dimensions.

Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults (SELSA-S; DiTommaso et al., 2004) – assessing romantic, family, and social loneliness.

Marital Self-Efficacy Scale (MSES; Lopez et al., 2007) – evaluating perceived competence in managing marital relationships.

Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ; Gross & John, 2003) – measuring cognitive reappraisal and emotional suppression strategies.

All instruments were administered in their validated Persian versions. The reliability of each scale exceeded acceptable thresholds (Cronbach’s α > 0.70). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-25 and AMOS-24 software. The model’s overall fit was evaluated using indices such as CFI (0.93), GFI (0.92), IFI (0.93), and RMSEA (0.07), all of which indicated satisfactory goodness of fit.

Findings:

Descriptive statistics revealed that insecure attachment styles, particularly ambivalent and avoidant, were more prevalent among the participants than secure attachment. The mean level of loneliness was moderately high, suggesting that many mothers experience emotional and social isolation despite being in family settings. Correlational analyses demonstrated that both avoidant and ambivalent attachment styles were positively correlated with loneliness, while secure attachment showed a negative correlation.

Results from SEM confirmed the mediating role of marital self-efficacy and emotion regulation. Specifically, ambivalent attachment indirectly predicted higher levels of loneliness through reduced marital self-efficacy and maladaptive emotion regulation strategies (β = 0.13, p < 0.05). Neither avoidant nor secure attachment styles showed significant direct effects on loneliness. However, emotion regulation had a positive and significant impact on marital self-efficacy (β = 0.14, p < 0.05), indicating that mothers who are better able to manage their emotions tend to perceive themselves as more competent within their marital relationships. In turn, marital self-efficacy had a strong negative effect on loneliness (β = –0.81, p < 0.001). These findings collectively suggest that emotional and relational competencies serve as critical buffers against loneliness in mothers of young children.



Conclusion:

The results of this study contribute to a growing body of literature emphasizing the interplay between attachment, emotional regulation, and marital functioning in shaping psychological well-being among mothers. The findings indicate that mothers’ perceptions of loneliness are not solely determined by attachment style but also by their confidence in managing emotional and marital challenges. Specifically, mothers with ambivalent attachment may experience heightened dependency, fear of rejection, and emotional instability, leading to reduced marital self-efficacy and greater loneliness—even when surrounded by family or social networks. Conversely, mothers who possess stronger emotion regulation skills and greater confidence in their marital roles are more likely to maintain emotional balance and feel connected within their relationships.

From a clinical and cultural perspective, these findings underscore the necessity of designing culturally sensitive interventions in Iran that target both emotional and relational domains. Psychologists and family counselors can incorporate emotion regulation training, mindfulness-based programs, and couple therapy to enhance mothers’ self-efficacy and reduce emotional distress. Educational workshops focusing on cognitive reappraisal, communication skills, and emotional expression may also empower mothers to navigate the psychological demands of early parenting.

In summary, this study provides empirical evidence that marital self-efficacy and emotion regulation act as mediating mechanisms linking attachment styles to loneliness among mothers of toddlers. Enhancing these psychological capacities can protect mothers from emotional exhaustion and contribute to healthier family dynamics. The results hold valuable implications for preventive interventions, clinical counseling, and future longitudinal studies aiming to deepen our understanding of emotional adaptation in motherhood.