The Mediating Role of Resilience in the Relationship Between Negative Emotions and Suicidal Ideation in Women Affected by Marital Infidelity

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between negative emotions—including internalized shame, rumination, and difficulties in emotion regulation—and suicidal ideation in married women affected by marital infidelity. In line with the dual-factor model of mental health, which emphasizes the interaction between risk factors and protective resources, this study sought to explain the mechanism through which negative emotional variables influence suicidal thoughts within a framework that considers resilience as a mediator.

Method: This study was non-experimental, correlational, and based on structural equation modeling. The statistical population consisted of women who visited family counseling centers in the city of Qom in 1403 (Iranian calendar year), from whom 265 participants were selected using convenience sampling. The research instruments included the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation, the Nolen–Hoeksema Rumination Questionnaire, the Cook Internalized Shame Scale, the Gratz and Roemer Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, and the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS-27 and AMOS-24, applying the robust maximum likelihood estimation method.

Findings: Structural equation modeling results indicated that rumination and difficulties in emotion regulation had a positive and significant direct effect on suicidal ideation, whereas the direct effect of internalized shame on suicidal ideation was at the threshold of significance (p = 0.048). Resilience played a negative and significant mediating role across all relationships. Difficulties in emotion regulation were the strongest predictor, and internalized shame was the weakest predictor of suicidal ideation. Fit indices (CFI = 0.98, RMSEA = 0.066) indicated a good fit between the theoretical model and the data.

Conclusion: As a protective factor within the dual-factor model of mental health, resilience—by strengthening cognitive reappraisal and emotion regulation—helps prevent psychological distress from turning into suicidal ideation. The findings highlight the need to design psychological interventions focused on enhancing resilience, mindfulness, and emotion regulation skills to reduce suicidal thoughts among women affected by marital infidelity.