The Relationship between Gratitude, Apology and Marital Intimacy by Moderating Role of Arrogance among Women

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between gratitude, apology, and marital intimacy by moderating the role of arrogance among women in Tehran province. The research utilized a descriptive correlation design. The statistical population consisted of all women aged 20 to 50 in Tehran province in 2022 that had been living together for at least one year. The sample of 308 women was selected using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected through online questionnaires and measures including a Researcher-Made Apology Questionnaire, Authentic Pride and Hubristic Pride Scale (Tracy and Robbins, 2007), Gratitude Questionnaire developed (McCullough, Emmons & Tsang,2002), and Marital Intimacy Scale developed (Walker and Thompson,1983). SmartPLS-3 software was used to analyze the data. The findings indicated that gratitude had a positive association with marital intimacy, whereas apology and arrogance had a negative association with marital intimacy. Furthermore, arrogance moderated the relationship between gratitude and marital intimacy, but did not moderate the relationship between apology and marital intimacy. Based on these results, mental health experts are recommended to organize educational workshops to increase couples' awareness of the aforementioned factors, which can enhance the level of marital intimacy and improve the general health of women in relationships.