Modeling Marital Burnout Based on Schema Mode with the Mediation of Marital Infidelity Justification

Objective: The present study aimed to model marital burnout based on schema modes, with the mediation of marital infidelity justification.
Methods and Materials: This study employed a descriptive-correlational design using a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach. The statistical population consisted of all married individuals who visited counseling centers in Districts 3 and 11 of Tehran in 2024. A total of 373 participants were selected through purposive convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Pines’ Marital Burnout Questionnaire (1996), the Schema Mode Inventory by Young et al. (2008), and the Marital Infidelity Justification Scale by Yenisey and Cokdemir (2006). Data analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling.
Findings: The analysis indicated that the proposed structural model showed a good fit with the collected data. It was also found that the adaptive dimension of schema mode was negatively associated, and the maladaptive dimension was positively and significantly associated with marital burnout. Furthermore, marital infidelity justification was positively and significantly related to marital burnout. Moreover, justification of marital infidelity significantly mediated the relationship between the maladaptive schema mode dimension and marital burnout.
Conclusion: Based on the findings, practical recommendations can be offered for improving couple relationships by considering the key variables discussed in the study.