The Structural Model of Extramarital Relationships Based on Cognitive Schemas And Alexithymia With The Mediation of Family Functioning

The present study was conducted to provide a structural model of extramarital relationships based on cognitive schemas and alexithymia with the mediation of family function in Gonbad-e Kavus city. The research method was a descriptive correlation of the path analysis type. The statistical population consisted of married men and women who were referred to counseling centers in Gonbadkavus City in 2022, from which 200 people were selected through available sampling. The research tools include the Attitudes Toward Infidelity Scale (ATIS) (Whatley, 2008), the Young Schematic Questionnaire (YSQ) (Yang, 2005), the Toronto Ataxia Scale (TAS-20) (Bagby et al., 1994) and the McMaster Family Assessment Device (FAD-60) (Epstein et al., 1950). The results of the path analysis indicated the optimal fit of the model. The results of the path analysis indicated the optimal fit of the model. The findings showed that the direct effect of none of the cognitive schemas on extramarital relationships was insignificant. However, the other orientation schema indirectly and significantly affects extramarital relations by mediating family function (P<0.01). Emotional dyslexia significantly affects extramarital relationships, both directly and indirectly (P<0.01). The dimensions of identifying, expressing, and introspection have a negative and significant indirect effect on extramarital relationships through the mediation of family functioning (P<0.01). Therefore, it can be concluded that cognitive schemas indirectly affect extramarital relationships by mediating family functioning, but emotional dyslexia is directly and indirectly effective.