Prediction of Marriage Expectancy Based on Sexual Self-Concept with Regard to the Mediating Role of the Emotional Intelligence of Women About to Get Married
Subject Areas : PsychologyHanieh Gorji 1 , Nasrin Mohammadi Nasab 2
1 -
2 - Islamic Azad University, Khorasgan Branch, Isfahan, Iran
Keywords: Sexual self-concept, expectations of marriage, emotional intelligence, women about to get married.,
Abstract :
This study examined the association between sexual self-concept and marital expectations, emphasizing the mediating role of emotional intelligence among women preparing for marriage. Using a correlational design and structural equation modeling, data were collected from 223 women aged 18–38 years who attended premarital counseling centers in Isfahan in 2024. Instruments included Snell’s Sexual Self-Concept Questionnaire, the Jones and Nelson Marital Expectation Questionnaire, and an emotional intelligence scale. Analysis with Pearson correlation, SPSS, and AMOS-24 indicated that the model demonstrated acceptable fit indices. Sexual self-concept showed a significant positive effect on marital expectations, while emotional intelligence not only predicted marital expectations but also mediated the link between sexual self-concept and expectations. The findings suggest that women with a more positive sexual self-concept are likely to develop more adaptive and realistic expectations of marriage, partly through higher emotional intelligence. These results highlight the importance of incorporating emotional skills training into premarital counseling programs to promote healthier marital outlooks and enhance future relationship quality. Given the cross-sectional design and convenience sampling, generalization of results should be made with caution.
An, D., Lee, S.L., & Woo H. (2022). Marriage intention among Korean young adults: trends and influencing factors. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 19(14),1–14.
Anderson, P., & Lee, J. (2023). Sexual Self-Concept and Expectations of Marriage Among Young Adults: A Correlational Study. Journal of Family Psychology, 37(1), 78-92.
Bennecke, E., Bernstein, S., Lee, P., van de Grift, T. C., Nordenskjöld, A., Rapp, M., Simmonds, M., Streuli, J. C., Thyen, U., & Wiesemann, C., on behalf of the dsd-LIFE Group. (2021). Early genital surgery in disorders/differences of sex development: Patients’ perspectives. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 50(3), 913–923.
Brackett, M. A., & Rivers, S. E. (2020). Transforming students’ lives with social and emotional learning. International Journal of Emotional Education, 9(2), 6-21.
Fiori, A. (2018). Espropriare e scomunicare. L'executio parata delle obbligazioni camerali (secoli XIV–XIX).
García-Martínez, I., Augusto-Landa, J. M., León, S. P., & Quijano-López, R. (2023). Pathways between self-concept and academic stress: The role of emotional intelligence and personality among university students. Journal of Further and Higher Education, 47(2), 182-196.
Hendrix, K., & Hunt, M. (2022). Expectations of Marriage: A Comprehensive Overview of Factors Influencing Perceptions and Outcomes. Journal of Marriage and Family Studies, 34(2), 123-145. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12345-022-00123-4.
Herrera, L., Al-Lal, M., & Mohamed, L. (2020). Academic achievement, self-concept, personality and emotional intelligence in primary education. Analysis by gender and cultural group. Frontiers in psychology, 10, 3075.
Keng, W., & Keng, S. (2020). Title of the Article. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), Page Range . 39(4), 263-274.
Kilimnik, C. D., Boyd, R. L., Stanton, A. M., & Meston, C. M. (2018). Identification of nonconsensual sexual experiences and the sexual self-schemas of women: Implications for sexual functioning. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 47(6), 1633–1647.
Ngo-Thi, T. T., Huynh, V. S., Dang-Thi, N. T., Nguyen-Duong, B. T., Vu-Nguyen, T. T., Nantachai, G., & Tran-Chi, V. L. (2022). Mediation Effects of Premarital Sexual Permissiveness on the Relationship Between Expectations for Marriage and Marital Intention of Vietnamese Undergraduate Students. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 15, 3513-3530.
Shulman, S., & Connolly, J. (2023). The challenge of romantic relationships in emerging adulthood: Reconceptualization of the field. Emerging Adulthood, 1(1), 27–39.
Swami, V., Barron,D., & Furnham, A.(2022). Appearance Orientation and Dating Anxiety in Emerging Adults: Considering the Roles of Appearance-Based Rejection Sensitivity, Social Physique Anxiety, and Self-Compassion. Arch Sex Behav. 2022 Nov;51(8),3981-3992.