Predicting Model of Conflict Resolution Styles Based on Differentiated Dimensions and Cognitive Flexibility with the Mediating Role of Self-Compassion of Couples

Aim and Background:

Research has shown that resolving interpersonal conflicts is as important as social relationships, especially between couples; therefore, the present study aimed to predict the pattern of conflict resolution styles based on differentiation, cognitive flexibility with mediating the role of compassion in young men and women with conflict.

Methods and Materials:

This study was a descriptive correlational study. The statistical population included men and women with marital conflict in kashan. The sample of this study consisted of 393 couples with marital conflict who were selected by convenience sampling and included in the research questionnaires including the conflict resolution skills (Strauss et al. 1990), self-compassion (Nef, 2003), cognitive flexibility questionnaire (Dennis and Vander Wal, & Jillon, 2010) and differentiation of self-inventory (skowron and Schmitt, 2003). The research data were analyzed by path analysis and structural equations by AMOS statistical software.

The results showed that the proposed model has a good fit and self-compassion can play a mediating role between flexibility and negotiation conflict resolution style and psychological aggression as well as between self-differentiation and negotiation conflict resolution styles and physical aggression (P ≤ 0.001).

Given the effects of marital conflict on couples, families and society, identifying the variables involved in this important can provide a basis for planning to prevent and treat destructive styles of marital conflict resolution and it seems that self-differentiation and self-compassion is one of the effective variables in improving the conflict resolution techniques used in men and women with marital conflict.