A Structural Model of Marital Satisfaction Based on Mindfulness and Self-Compassion with the Mediating Role of Emotional Intimacy among Couples

Abstract

The present study aimed to develop a structural model of marital satisfaction based on mindfulness and self-compassion with the mediating role of emotional intimacy among married couples. Marital satisfaction is one of the most important indicators of family health and relational well-being, and it is influenced by a complex set of cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal factors. In recent years, mindfulness and self-compassion have received increasing attention as psychological capacities that can enhance mental health and improve interpersonal functioning. Mindfulness, defined as nonjudgmental awareness of present-moment experience, may help couples respond to relational stress with greater emotional awareness, less impulsivity, and more adaptive communication. Mindful individuals are more likely to recognize their emotional reactions without immediately acting on them, which can reduce escalation during marital conflicts. Self-compassion, which involves kindness toward oneself, recognition of common humanity, and balanced awareness of painful experiences, may also contribute to healthier marital functioning. Individuals with higher self-compassion may be less self-critical, more emotionally stable, and more capable of expressing empathy toward their partners. However, the effects of mindfulness and self-compassion on marital satisfaction may be strengthened through emotional intimacy. Emotional intimacy refers to feelings of closeness, trust, mutual understanding, and emotional sharing, and it is considered a central foundation of a satisfying marital relationship. This study used a descriptive-correlational design and structural equation modeling. The statistical population consisted of married couples, and participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires measuring mindfulness, self-compassion, emotional intimacy, and marital satisfaction. The findings indicated that mindfulness and self-compassion directly predicted marital satisfaction and also had significant indirect effects through emotional intimacy. The proposed model showed acceptable fit indices. These results suggest that enhancing mindfulness and self-compassion may improve marital satisfaction by increasing emotional intimacy and reducing maladaptive emotional reactions. Accordingly, couple-based educational and therapeutic programs can benefit from incorporating mindfulness practices, self-compassion training, and exercises designed to strengthen emotional closeness between partners.