Document Type : Research/Original/Regular

Authors

• Narin Abbasi ¹
• Somayeh Keshavarz ¹
• Alireza Kakavand ²

¹ Imam Khomeini International University,Qazvin,Iran

² Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the mediating effect of family emotional atmosphere on the association between communication patterns and distress tolerance in married women. The study employed a correlational design and utilized path analysis. The research sample comprised 217 married women residing in Tehran in the year 1400, who were selected using convenience sampling methodology. The research instruments included the Couple's Communication Patterns, the Family Emotional Atmosphere, and Distress Tolerance. The results of the path analysis revealed a statistically significant association between communication patterns and distress tolerance, with the emotional atmosphere of the family serving as a mediator in this relationship. The mediating role of family emotional atmosphere is found to be significant in the relationship between non-reciprocal constructive relationship and distress tolerance (P=0.22, β=0.001) and the relationship between mutual avoidance and distress tolerance (P=0.001, β=-0.19). The research findings suggest an idea for implementing an intervention targeting contributing and causal factors, specifically communication patterns and the emotional atmosphere within families, which impact the distress tolerance of married women.

Highlights

The current study set out to examine how married women's communication styles and distress tolerance are influenced by their family's emotional atmosphere and its mediating role in these relationships. The statistical findings demonstrated a strong correlation between mutually constructive communication, married women's mutual avoidance communication, and distress tolerance, with the emotional atmosphere of the family playing a mediating function. These outcomes are consistent with the research findings of Saberi Fard and Haji Arbabi (2018), Shahdoost et al., (2018), and Rashidi et al. (2018).

When considering the connection between mutual constructive communication and the distress tolerance of married women, with the mediator role of the family's emotional atmosphere, it can be observed that individuals who engage in constructive communication patterns, rather than avoidance and withdrawal patterns, are more likely to have opportunities to openly express their emotions and feelings. Engaging in effective discussions and communication with family members can enhance resilience and increase tolerance for distress in individuals. Family communication plays a crucial role in promoting mental health and overall well-being (Marra  et al., 2020). Additionally, coping strategies are another significant factor that can protect and improve individuals' mental health when faced with life's challenges. According to a recent study by Yildirim  et al. (2022), individuals who engage in positive family communication tend to adopt more positive coping strategies. As a result, they are better equipped to handle challenging situations and experience lower levels of psychological distress. The constructive communication pattern promotes effective communication skills and encourages active participation from all parties involved in conflict resolution. As a result, there is an increase in mutual understanding and satisfaction within the relationship. This pattern also benefits women by fostering a healthy sense of identity and greater overall satisfaction. Additionally, the creation of a sincere and supportive emotional atmosphere within the family enhances the ability to manage negative emotions. These improved emotional skills have a positive impact on the overall functioning of the family. When Women are in a positive emotional atmosphere, it can lead to the development of effective communication patterns. This, in turn, can influence their ability to tolerate distress and respond to negative emotions in a constructive and rational manner, especially in stressful situations (Amin al-Raaya et al., 2015). Furthermore, families that have received training or have been exposed to effective communication skills, such as problem-solving, stress management, and anger control, are more adept at resolving their issues and conflicts. As a result, they tend to experience higher levels of satisfaction within their relationships.

The communication pattern adopted by married women is influenced by the emotional atmosphere and parenting approach of their family of origin (Dorrance Hall et al., 2020). Furthermore, couples replicate their parents' communication patterns, parenting styles, and the positive or negative atmosphere within their family and incorporate these experiences into their own marital and parental interactions (Shahdost et al., 2018). When the emotional atmosphere within a family is positive and healthy, and authoritative and sincere educational methods are employed, all family members feel comfortable expressing their opinions and feelings without fear. They consult one another during conflicts and problems and respect each other's independence. This type of environment has a positive impact on family members, particularly mothers who play a crucial role in raising children. They are better able to manage their negative emotions and respond to conflicts in a consistent and rational manner. As a result, they experience less ambiguity, uncertainty, and even physical pain. Consequently, these individuals exhibit a high level of tolerance for distress and negative emotions. According to Bonanno (2004), positive family communication patterns have been found to enhance resilience in individuals. This increased resilience, in turn, can improve the distress tolerance of married women.

In the communication pattern known as mutual avoidance, conflicts are left unresolved and problems are denied, resulting in the persistence of these conflicts. This can have a range of negative consequences for women, such as depression, anxiety, loneliness, distress, and physical discomfort. Consequently, these avoidance behaviors contribute to a detrimental and negative emotional atmosphere within the family, ultimately resulting in marital dissatisfaction. The dissatisfaction with the marital relationship and the negative emotional atmosphere within the family have a detrimental impact on the distress tolerance of married women. Families that have poor communication patterns and strained relationships tend to seek external help to resolve their problems. Additionally, these individuals experience a decrease in their ability to tolerate distressing situations (Amin al-Raaya et al., 2015).

 This can lead to conflicts and result in ineffective and inconsistent responses to stressful life situations. On the other hand, individuals who experience stress in confusing situations may exhibit unstable reactions, leading to a higher likelihood of impulsive and extreme behaviors. Individuals with these characteristics tend to have low distress tolerance (Shahdost et al., 2018). Consequently, a healthy family communication pattern has the effect of enhancing the positive emotional atmosphere among family members. This, in turn, increases the family's tolerance for distress. When the emotional atmosphere is positive, and the family has a high tolerance for distress, individuals are better equipped to cope with traumatic and stressful events.

Furthermore, the findings indicated that the withdrawal/demand component did not exert an indirect influence on the distress tolerance of married women through the emotional milieu of the family. It is worth noting that no previous research aligning with these results has been found in this specific field. Glaser contends that the primary and foremost need for women is the desire for affection and a feeling of belonging, which may be attained within the suitable emotional atmosphere of the family. Glaser asserts that the absence of a genuine emotional bond within the family serves as the fundamental cause of enduring psychological issues in individuals (Tahuri & Karimi, 2022). Repeated and intense engagement in the withdrawal/demand communication pattern within a couple might result in a decline in marital happiness. Thus, it can be inferred that while the withdrawal/demand pattern may directly impact the distress tolerance of married women, it does not appear to have the ability to influence distress tolerance by mediating the emotional atmosphere of the family, which is a more influential factor. This pattern may exacerbate the tension in the couple's relationship, as women whose husbands exhibit withdrawal and avoidance in this manner receive a disapproving message that implies their spouses do not prioritize fostering meaningful contact with them. Conversely, men may resort to verbal or physical violence when they witness their female partners displaying avoidant behavior. Given the negative emotional atmosphere that prevails in such situations, it is likely that women's ability to tolerate distress will be diminished in this particular pattern.

This study found that the emotional atmosphere within a family mediated the association between communication patterns and distress tolerance in married women. Specifically, both mutual constructive and avoidance communication styles were found to directly and indirectly, predict the distress tolerance of married women. One of the limitations of the current research was the use of a convenience sample approach, which was prompted by the widespread Corona pandemic, hence preventing researchers from doing random sampling. Given that the current study sample consisted of married women in Tehran, it is important to use caution when generalizing the findings to the wider society. This study acknowledges that intervening factors, such as mental and internal processes, have influenced the participants' responses to the questionnaire. However, it is important to note that the study did not consider the participants' personality characteristics, IQ, and financial situation. One of the limitations of the current study was the utilization of a correlational design, which relied on data obtained at a single point in time and hindered precise causal inferences. It is recommended to employ alternative sampling methods and conduct studies on samples with diverse demographic characteristics to enhance the generalizability of the results. Based on the research findings, it is crucial to address underlying factors that impact the distress tolerance of married women, such as communication patterns and the emotional atmosphere within their families. By intervening in these areas, we can effectively enhance the distress tolerance of married women.

Keywords

• Communication Patterns
• Distress Tolerance
• Family Emotional Atmosphere

Main Subjects

• marital adjustment