Relationship between original family health and self-compassion with marital commitment

Abstract

Background and purpose: One of the important features of a successful and long-term marriage is marital commitment. Self-compassion could well predict improvements in marital relations. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between original family health and self-compassion with marital commitment. Materials and methods: A descriptive correlational study was performed in 372 married individuals selected by multiple cluster sampling. Data was collected using the Family of Origin Scale (FOS) and Self-Compassion Scale. Data analysis was done applying Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multiple linear regressions. Results: The mean age of the participant was 37±7.42 years. The results showed a significant positive correlation between marital commitment and health of the original family, self–kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness subscales (P< 0.01). We found a significant negative correlation between marital commitment and health of the original family, self-judgment, isolation, and over-identification subscales (P< 0.01). Also health of the original family and subscales of self-kindness, common humanity, self-judgment and mindfulness could highly predict marital commitment. Conclusion: Health of the original family and self-compassion play important roles in improving marital relationships. Therefore, self-compassion focused therapies could increase mental health and create self-compassionate behavior and consequently enhance marriage durability. © 2016, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.