Influences of Family Structure and Intimacy on Emotional Divorce: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to explore the predictive roles of family structure and intimacy in emotional divorce among married individuals, highlighting the nuanced interplay between these factors and marital disengagement. Methods and Materials: Employing a cross-sectional design, 300 married participants were recruited through convenience sampling from counseling centers and online community forums, with an inclusion criterion of being in a marriage for at least two years. The Family Structure Scale and Personal Assessment of Intimacy in Relationships Scale, alongside a custom questionnaire for emotional divorce, served as the primary measurement tools. Data analysis involved multiple regression techniques to assess predictive relationships, adhering to statistical assumptions of linearity, independence, homoscedasticity, and normality. Findings: Results indicated significant predictive relationships between both family structure and intimacy with emotional divorce, suggesting that variations in these factors could significantly influence the likelihood of emotional disengagement within marriage. Detailed analysis underscored the importance of considering these elements in understanding marital dynamics. Conclusion: The study underscores the complex relationship between family structure, intimacy, and emotional divorce, advocating for targeted interventions to enhance marital cohesion. Future research should explore these dynamics longitudinally and across diverse populations to further elucidate these relationships.