The Association Between Psychopathology of Family Relationships and Cognitive Vulnerability (Dysfunctional Attitude and Interpersonal Cognitive Distortion)



Ebrahimi A¹ ; Zeinodini SS¹ ; Merasi MR² Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2012

Abstract

Background: The increasing number of people referring to family therapy centers and higher rate of divorce are both signs of a serious crisis in family function. The aim of this study was to determine the association between marital conflicts and interpersonal cognitive distortion, dysfunctional attitude, and relationship-specific irrational beliefs. Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive research, 60 married people, who had referred to Family therapy centers in Isfahan, Iran, during March 2010 to September 2010, were selected. Four questionnaires including relationship-specific irrational beliefs questionnaire (RSIBQ), interpersonal cognitive distortion scale (ICDS), dysfunctional attitude scale (DAS-26), marital conflicts questionnaire (MCQ) were completed. Data was analyzed by Pearson correlation and stepwise regression analysis in SPSS16. Findings: The mean age of men and women were 37.6 ± 9 years and 32.6 ± 7.7, respectively. Data analysis revealed significant relationships between marital conflicts and interpersonal cognitive distortion, dysfunctional attitude, and relationship-specific irrational beliefs (P < 0.01). Linear regression analysis showed dysfunctional attitude scores, age and gender to be able to predict marital conflicts scores. Conclusion: The results of this study support the cognitive model to explain psychopathology of family relationship. In addition, these findings can be an evidence for codification of treatment protocols based on three elements which were proved to be related with marital conflicts in this study.