Cognitive–Emotional Analysis of Emotional Coldness in Marital Relationships
Keywords:
Emotional coldness, marital relationships, cognition, emotion regulation, attachment, couple therapyAbstract
This study aims to explain the cognitive, emotional, and interactional mechanisms underlying the development and persistence of emotional coldness in marital relationships. This qualitative review employed thematic analysis of 12 peer-reviewed scientific articles selected purposively from the fields of family psychology and couple therapy. Data collection relied exclusively on systematic literature review, and analysis was conducted using NVivo 14 until theoretical saturation was achieved through open, axial, and selective coding. The findings revealed that emotional coldness emerges from the interaction of dysfunctional cognitive beliefs, cognitive distortions, maladaptive emotion regulation strategies, insecure attachment styles, and impaired communication patterns. These elements were organized into three core themes—cognitive foundations, emotional regulation processes, and interactional dynamics—forming a cyclical process that erodes intimacy, weakens relational security, and intensifies emotional disengagement between partners. Emotional coldness is a gradual, multidimensional phenomenon that requires integrated cognitive–emotional interventions for effective prevention and treatment, and early identification is critical for preserving marital relationship health.
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