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Associations between Emotional Dysregulation, Repetitive Negative Thoughts, and a Sense of Self-Continuity with Post-Divorce Adjustment in Divorced Women

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Medical Sciences,Tabriz Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

Background: Divorce leads to personal, psychological, and social changes, necessitating an exploration of post-divorce adjustment. This study aimed to investigate the associations between emotional dysregulation, repetitive negative thoughts, and self-continuity with post-divorce adjustment in women.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, with a descriptive-correlational design, the statistical population comprised all divorced women using services at social health centers in Tabriz, Iran in 2024. A sample of 346 participants was recruited using a convenience sampling method. Assessments were performed using Fisher’s Post-Divorce Adjustment Questionnaire (FDAS), Gratz’s Difficulty in Emotional Regulation Scale (DERS), McEvoy et al.’s Repetitive Negative Thoughts Questionnaire (RTQ), and Sokol and Serper’s Future Self-Continuity Questionnaire (FSCQ). Data were analyzed via Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis in SPSS version 26.
Results: The findings revealed that the mean scores (SD) were 96.76 (22.33) for emotional dysregulation, 27.45 (9.35) for repetitive negative thoughts, 32.96 (11.75) for a sense of Self-Continuity and 280.09 (88.24) for post-divorce adjustment. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that emotional dysregulation (r=-0.59, P<0.001) and repetitive negative thoughts (r=-0.33, P<0.001) negatively linked to divorce adaptation, while the sense of self-continuity revealed a significant positive association (r=0.29, P<0.001). Regression analysis confirmed that emotional dysregulation (β=-0.50, P<0.001) repetitive negative thoughts (β=-0.15, P=0.0007) and a sense of self-continuity (β=0.13, P=0.004) were significantly associated with post-divorce adjustment.
Conclusions: The findings suggested that lower emotional dysregulation and repetitive negative thoughts, along with higher sense of self-continuity, correlate with improved post-divorce adjustment in women.

Highlights

Parisa Pourmohammad: (Google Scholar)

Keywords

References
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Women’s Health Bulletin
Volume 12, Issue 2 - Serial Number 45
April 2025
Pages 79-89
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