The Role of Metacognitive Beliefs in Managing Marital Conflicts
Keywords:
Metacognitive beliefs, marital conflict, emotion regulation, marital relationships, metacognitive therapyAbstract
This study aimed to explain the role of metacognitive beliefs in the formation, persistence, and management of marital conflicts. This qualitative review study employed thematic analysis. Data were collected through a systematic review of scientific literature, and 13 eligible articles were selected. Full texts were analyzed using NVivo 14 software. Coding was conducted at open, axial, and selective levels and continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Results indicated that metacognitive beliefs constitute the core regulatory system of cognitive–emotional conflict management in couples. Negative metacognitive beliefs were associated with rumination, chronic worry, emotional overactivation, and dysfunctional communication patterns such as criticism and emotional withdrawal. In contrast, adaptive metacognitive beliefs and cognitive self-monitoring improved emotion regulation, communication quality, and conflict resolution. Metacognitive-based interventions, including metacognitive therapy and mindfulness-based approaches, significantly enhanced marital satisfaction and reduced conflict intensity. Metacognitive beliefs play a fundamental role in marital conflict management, and modifying these beliefs is essential for sustainable relational change.
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