The causal model of Couple Burnout Based on Irrational Relationship Beliefs, Non-adaptive Strategies of Cognitive Emotion Regulation, and Psychological Capital

Introduction: The present research was aimed to explain the causal model of couple burnout based on irrational relationship beliefs, non-adaptive strategies of cognitive emotion regulation, and psychological capital. Method: The method was descriptive-correlational. The sample included 300 married women living in Tehran that were selected through the convenient sampling method. To collect data, Couple Burnout Measure (CBM; 1996), Relationship Beliefs Inventory (RBI; 1982), Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ; 2006), and Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ; 2011) were used. Data analysis was done by the path analysis method. Results: Firstly, the fitness indices indicated that the model did not have sufficient fitness. However, the modification indices indicated that there was a correlation between the residuals of non-adaptive strategies and psychological capital. The modified model had very high fitness (GFI=0.988, AGFI=0.951, CFI= 0.976, RMSEA=0.045, RMR=0.048). Totally, this model could explain the 22.8% variance of couple burnout (p<0.05). Conclusion: The present research provided some evidence in the support of the impact of irrational relationship beliefs, non-adaptive strategies of cognitive emotion regulation, and psychological capital on the couple burnout. Therefore, the results of the present research can be used in the couple therapy interventions to enrich couples’ relationships and also promoting the quality of the family system.