Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
2
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran.
3
PhD Student, Psychology, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction: Sexual health is a vital component of marital satisfaction that is influenced by psychological and personality factors. This study aimed to investigate the structural model of couples' sexual health based on dark tetrad personality traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism) and the mediating role of marital boredom.
Method: The research method was descriptive-correlational and structural equation modeling. The statistical population included married students aged 25 to 50 at Urmia University in 1403, of whom 250 were selected by convenience sampling. The research tools included Larson's standard sexual health questionnaire (1998), Yousefi's dark four personality traits (2018), and Pines' marital burnout (1997). Data analysis was performed using SPSS 26 and lisrel 10 software.
Results: The results of structural equation modeling indicated significant relationships between dark personality traits and marital burnout, as well as between marital burnout and couples’ sexual health (p < 0.01). A significant direct relationship was also observed between dark personality traits and sexual health (p < 0.05). Path analysis revealed that marital burnout played a significant mediating role in the relationship between dark personality traits and sexual health, such that dark traits led to lower sexual health through increased marital burnout. The variables in the model were able to explain approximately 59% of the variance in couples’ sexual health. The model fit indices (RMSEA = 0.053, CFI = 0.92, GFI = 0.88) confirmed a good fit of the structural model.
Discussion and Conclusion: Based on the findings, marital burnout serves as a significant mediator that intensifies the negative impact of dark personality traits on sexual health. Individuals with dark tetrad, especially narcissism and psychopathy often exhibit controlling and unempathetic behaviors, which increase emotional exhaustion in the relationship and ultimately reduce satisfaction and quality in sexual interactions. Therefore, to enhance sexual health in couples, it is essential to consider personality factors and address marital burnout through empathy training, effective communication skills, and couples counseling.
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