The mediating role of family function in the relationship between psychological basic needs, marital expectations and marital commitment

Marital commitment has been recognized as a significant factor in the development and continued stability of marriage and family.The aim of the present study was to investigate the mediating role of family function in the relationship between psychological basic needs, marital expectations and marital commitment. This was a correlational research based on structural equation modeling. 248 married women (age 25-50) in abhar city who participated in family education classes were selected by random sampling and completed Basic Needs Satisfaction in General Scale (BNSG-S), Family Assessment Device (FAD), Marital Expectations (MEQ) and Marital Commitment Questionnaires (MCQ).The results showed a significantly positive correlation between psychological basic needs and marital expectations with marital commitment. Correlation between family function and marital commitment was significant and negative. Also, psychological basic needs and family function was correlated and significantly negative. The path analysis results showed that marital expectations directly affect marital commitment. Psychological basic needs both directly and indirectly affect marital commitment through family function. It also was cleared that family function is effective on marital commitment. The research model was confirmed. So, it can be concluded that the relationship between psychological basic needs and marital expectations whit marital commitment is not liner and family function could moderate this relationship.