Relationship between Irrational Beliefs and Marital Conflicts in Couples Based on Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy

Abstract

<strong>Introduction:</strong> The main aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between irrational beliefs and marital conflicts. <strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> The research method was correlation and regression analysis. A total of 150 couples (150 females, 150 males) who were selected through available sampling method participated in this study. Participants were asked to complete the Golombok Rust Inventory of Marital State (GRIMS), and the Survey of Personal Beliefs (SPB). Comparative data analysis was performed using SPSS Version ₁₉. <strong>Results:</strong>The result showed a significant positive association between irrational beliefs and its subscales awfulizin (r=0/157, p<0.01) self directed should (r=0/354, p<0.01) other directed should (r=0/196, p<0.01) self worth (r=0/116, p<0.05) (except for low frustration tolerance subscale(r=0/106) and marital conflicts. The results also revealed that self-directed shoulds significantly predicts marital problems. <strong>Conclusion: </strong>In conclusion, the present study offers support for a relationship between the irrational beliefs postulated by Rational-Emotive Behavior therapy and marital conflict and indicates that couples with high irrational beliefs had a great number and frequency of conflicts and felt themselves more tense. Findings of this research can be used in marital consultation.