The Role of Emotional Capital in Preventing the Breakdown of Marital Relationships
Keywords:
Emotional capital, marital relationships, marital stability, emotional regulation, divorce preventionAbstract
This study aimed to explain the role and mechanisms of emotional capital in maintaining marital stability and preventing relationship breakdown. This qualitative review study employed a theoretical and thematic analysis of the scientific literature in the field of marital relationships and couple psychology. Data were collected exclusively through a systematic literature review, and after rigorous screening, 15 high-quality articles were selected for final analysis. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis guided by theoretical saturation. NVivo 14 software was utilized for data management and coding, following open, axial, and selective coding procedures. The findings revealed that emotional capital is a multidimensional construct consisting of four core components: emotional regulation and stability, interpersonal emotional investment, cognitive–emotional alignment, and protective relational dynamics. These components function synergistically to strengthen emotional security, reduce conflict intensity, enhance emotional commitment, and facilitate effective repair of relational ruptures, thereby playing a critical protective role against marital breakdown. The results indicate that strengthening emotional capital serves as a fundamental strategy for preventing marital relationship deterioration and promoting family well-being, providing a robust foundation for the development of preventive and therapeutic interventions in couple counseling.
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