Trust in Couples Affected by Betrayal based on Emotional Schemas with the Mediation of Emotional Expression

The present study aimed to present a model of trust in couples affected by marital infidelity based on emotional schemas with the mediating role of emotional expression. The current research was descriptive-correlational based on structural equation modeling (SEM). In light of these considerations, the statistical population of this study comprised all couples affected by marital infidelity who were referred to the counseling centers of Nowshahr, Chalus, and Tonekabon between May and August 2021. , 150 couples (300 people) were selected using the available sampling method, and Rempel et al. (1985) Interpersonal Relationship Scale (IRS), Leahy's (2002) emotional Schema Scale (LESS), and King and Emmons’ (1990) emotional expressiveness Questionnaire (EEQ) were completed. At the conclusion of the study, adaptive and nonadaptive schemas directly have a significant effect on couples' trust (P<0.05). Also, adaptive schemas through the mediation of positive emotion expression and nonadaptive schemas through the expression of positive emotion and expressing intimacy had an indirect and significant effect on couples' trust (P<0.01). The findings of this study suggest that the model of trust in couples affected by infidelity based on emotional schemas with the mediation role of emotional expression has a good fit, and the use of this model could be effective for experts in the determination of extramarital relationships.