Investigating the Role of Pessimism about Marriage as a Mediator in the Relationship between Insecure Attachment and Age at Marriage in Young People after Divorce

Abstract

Purpose: The significance of marriage and the anticipation of it in impacting individuals' lives and the quality of relationships is indisputable. Various factors, including attachment styles and personality traits, shape one's view of marriage. This study aims to examine how pessimism about marriage serves as a mediator in the connection between insecure attachment and the age at which young people marry after experiencing divorce. Methods and Materials:  This study employed a descriptive-correlational research design and utilized the cross-sectional research method and structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population for this study comprised all young males and females in Tehran, specifically between July and November of 2023. A sample of 252 young individuals with divorced parents was selected using purposive sampling. The instruments used to assess the variables included the Revised Adult Attachment scale (RAAS) by Collins (1996) and the optimism questionnaire developed by Shier and Carver (1985). The data collected from the study were analyzed using SPSS version 27 and SmartPLS version 4 software. Statistical significance was determined at the 0.05 level. Findings: According to the research findings, having pessimism about marriage has a significant impact on delaying the marriage age of young individuals (β=0.318, p<0.001). Similarly, having an avoidant attachment style also contributes to an increase in the marriage age of young people (β=0.673, p<0.001). Additionally, both avoidant and anxious attachments are positively associated with pessimism about marriage. Furthermore, feeling anxious about marriage due to pessimism leads to a higher marriage age among young people (β=0.195, p<0.001). Similarly, having an avoidant attachment due to pessimism about marriage also leads to a delay in the marriage age of young individuals (β=0.095, p=0.001). Conclusion: The results of the current research indicate that pessimism about marriage and a tendency to avoid attachment lead to a delay in marriage among young individuals following divorce. Additionally, both avoidant and anxious attachment styles contribute to pessimism, which in turn has a positive impact on prolonging the age at which young people get married.