Abstract

Background and Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between emotion regulation and marital distress with sexual orientation as a mediator.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive research is correlational in nature, using structural equation modeling. The study population consisted of married individuals employed in various professions. The sample included 613 individuals, selected through a convenience sampling method, who completed the Sexual Relationship Scale (SRS) by Hughes and Snell, the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ), and the Revised Marital Satisfaction Inventory (MSIR) by Schneider.

Findings: The results indicated that the structural model of the study had a good fit. The correlation matrix (Table 1) showed that there were significant relationships between emotion regulation and sexual orientation, emotion regulation and marital distress, as well as between sexual orientation and marital distress.

Conclusion: The findings revealed that effective emotion regulation and a positive sexual orientation help control marital distress and contribute to marital satisfaction. Thus, efficient emotion regulation can strengthen interpersonal relationships and lead to increased marital satisfaction.

Keywords: Sexual Orientation, Emotion Regulation, Marital Distress.