Journal of Modern Psychology

Journal of Modern Psychology

The Role of Intimacy and Sexual Knowledge in Predicting Marital Quality with the Mediation of Attachment Style in Iranian Couples

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
Hosein Fallahian
Niloofar Mikaeili
Sajjad Basharpoor
Akbar Atadokht
Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
10.22034/jmp.2025.541997.1143
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the role of intimacy and sexual knowledge in predicting marital quality, with attachment style as a mediator, among Iranian couples.
Methods: This research employed a correlational design using structural equation modeling (SEM). The population consisted of couples referred to psychotherapy and welfare centers in Tabriz in 2023, from which 250 participants were selected via multistage random sampling. Data were collected using the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS), Intimacy Scale (IS), Sexual Knowledge Questionnaire (SKQ), and Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R). For data analysis, SPSS version 26 was used for descriptive and correlation analyses, and AMOS version 24 was applied for structural equation modeling to test the hypothesized relationships between variables.
Results: The sample size was found to be adequate for structural equation modeling (KMO=0.89). Intimacy (β=0.41, P<0.001) and sexual knowledge (β=0.20, P<0.01) had direct effects on marital quality, while attachment style significantly mediated these relationships (P<0.001). The proposed model showed a good fit to the data (χ²/df=2.15, RMSEA=0.06).
Conclusions: They suggest that counselors and therapists should prioritize integrating these essential elements into their therapeutic approaches and interventions to promote healthier, more fulfilling partnerships.
Keywords
Attachment Style
Intimacy
Marital Quality
Sexual Knowledge
Structural Equation Modeling
Subjects
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  • Receive Date 18 June 2025
  • Revise Date 28 August 2025
  • Accept Date 29 September 2025