The moderating role of positive emotion on the relationship between negative emotion and destructive marital exchanges in women

Abstract: Research on marriage suggests that emotional exchanges are powerful predictors of marital quality and stability. What is the role of negative emotions in destructive marital exchanges in females? What is the role of positive emotions in decreasing destructive marital exchanges in females? In response to these questions، the present study was designed to investigate the moderating role of positive emotions on the relationship between negative emotions and destructive marital exchanges in females. Participants were 125 females living in Hendijan. All participants were asked to complete the Positive Emotions Scale (PES)، Negative Emotion Scale (NES)، and Destructive Marital Exchanges (DME). The results showed that negative emotions were positively associated with destructive marital exchanges in females. Moreover، results showed that positive emotions moderate the relationship between negative emotion and destructive marital exchanges in females. Based on the results of the present study، it can be concluded that the extent of positive relationship between negative emotions and destructive marital exchanges is lower in females with positive emotions than females with negative emotions. These findings would be helpful for understanding the important role that emotion regulation plays in marital success and administering interventions to improve couples’ emotional functioning.