Social Psychology Research

Abstract Introduction: Domestic violence victimization is a severe public health issue that can lead to profound physical and psychological harm. This study investigated the relationships among rejection sensitivity, self-esteem, and domestic violence victimization, with a specific focus on the mediating role of self-silencing. Method: This study employed a descriptive-correlational design. The study population comprised married women with a history of domestic violence victimization who sought services at counseling and welfare centers in Bojnord, Iran, in 2024. A sample of 373 participants was selected via purposive sampling. Data were collected using validated questionnaires assessing domestic violence victimization, rejection sensitivity, self-esteem, and self-silencing. Data analysis was conducted using Pearson correlation coefficients and path analysis via SPSS version 27 and AMOS version 24. Results: The findings revealed that rejection sensitivity had no significant direct relationship with domestic violence victimization (p > 0.05). However, significant relationships were observed between self-esteem, self-silencing, and domestic violence victimization (p < 0.05). Furthermore, path analysis confirmed that self-silencing plays a complete mediating role in the relationship between rejection sensitivity and domestic violence victimization, and a partial mediating role in the relationship between self-esteem and domestic violence victimization (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings indicate that self-silencing serves as a crucial psychological mechanism underlying the relationships among rejection sensitivity, self-esteem, and domestic violence victimization. These results highlight the importance of addressing internal psychological processes, such as self-silencing, in both understanding the dynamics of domestic violence and designing effective preventive and therapeutic interventions for married women.

Abstract Introduction: Marital conflicts are among the key factors that weaken the foundation of the family, with women being particularly affected by such conflicts. Self-silencing and emotional blackmail appear to be influential factors contributing to marital conflicts. The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of Imago Therapy (a relationship-focused approach) on self-silencing and emotional blackmail in women experiencing marital conflicts. Method: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group. The statistical population included all women seeking services at counseling centers in Yazd in 2024 (1403 in the Iranian calendar). A total of 30 participants were selected using purposive sampling and were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). Assessments were conducted using the Marital Conflicts Questionnaire (Sanai & Barati, 1990), the Self-Silencing Scale (Jack, 1991), and the Emotional Blackmail Scale (Karnani, 2018). The experimental group received Imago Therapy across eight sessions, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS-26 software and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). Results: The results showed that Imago Therapy was effective in reducing self-silencing and emotional blackmail among women with marital conflicts. The greatest effect of the intervention was observed on the self-silencing variable (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Based on these findings, Imago Therapy (a relationship-focused approach) can be used to reduce destructive emotional patterns between couples, particularly self-silencing and emotional blackmail.