Modeling the Relationship Between Interpersonal Trust, Mentalizing Capacity, Conflict Resolution Styles, and Internal Working Models Of Attachment in Iranian Couples

Objectives:

 Interpersonal trust between couples is the most important component of long-lasting and happy marriage. In this study, we aim to investigating the relationship of mentalizing capacity in Iranian couples with their interpersonal trust, considering the mediating role of conflict resolution styles and the moderating role of internal working model of attachment. 

Methods:

 This is an applied descriptive study using the structural equation modeling method. participants were 349 couples aged 18-45 living in Tehran, Iran, with at least one year of marriage and at least a high school diploma, who were selected using a convenience sampling method. The data collection tools were the interpersonal relationship scale, the reflective functioning questionnaire, the Rahim organizational conflict inventory-part two, and the relationship scales questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done in SPSS software, version 22 and PLS version 3.

Results:

 The values of fit indices showed a good fit of the initial model. After the removal of non-significant paths, the results showed a good fit of the final model (standardized root mean squared residual index=0.017, normalized fit index=0.985, goodness-of-fit index=0.386). 

Conclusion:

 The mentalizing capacity of couples has a direct relationship with their conflict resolution styles. Their conflict resolution styles have a direct relationship with their interpersonal trust. The mentalizing capacity of couples has both direct and indirect relationships (mediated by conflict resolution style) with their interpersonal trust. Only the preoccupied internal working model of attachment has a moderating role in the relationship between the mentalizing capacity and conflict resolution styles of Iranian couples.