The Role of Emotional Co-Regulation in Enhancing Couple Relationships
Keywords:
Emotional co-regulation, couple relationships, marital satisfaction, attachment, emotion regulationAbstract
This study aimed to provide an integrative explanation of the psychological mechanisms of emotional co-regulation and its role in improving couple relationships. This qualitative review employed a thematic analysis approach based on systematic examination of the literature. Data were collected exclusively through a targeted review of published studies, and 14 relevant articles were selected after screening. Data analysis was conducted using NVivo 14 following open, axial, and selective coding procedures, and the analytic process continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. The results indicated that emotional co-regulation operates as a core relational mechanism across three major domains: interactive emotion regulation, transformation of attachment bonds, and enhancement of relational functioning. Couples with higher levels of emotional co-regulation demonstrated greater emotional security, intimacy, marital satisfaction, relational stability, more effective conflict management, and reduced emotional exhaustion. Emotional co-regulation represents a fundamental psychological resource in couple relationships, playing a critical role in marital stability, mental health, and overall relational well-being; systematic attention to this construct provides a strong foundation for effective couple-therapy interventions.
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