Nejad, F. K., Mahmoudi, M., Hiebler, M., & Unterrainer, H.-F. (2026). Attachment styles and defense mechanisms as predictors of marital satisfaction in Iranian couples
Fatemeh Khodabakhsh Nejad, Mahdi Mahmoudi, Michaela Hiebler, Human-Friedrich Unterrainer
Faculty of Psychotherapy Science Vienna, Sigmund Freud Private University
Addiction Research Hub, Addiction Research Hub (ARH) Grüner Kreis Ltd., Department of Religious Studies, University of Vienna, Division of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1659840
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although prior research has explored the roles of attachment styles and defense mechanisms in marital satisfaction, limited attention has been given to how these two factors interact. This study investigates the combined influence of attachment styles and defense mechanisms on marital satisfaction in Iranian couples.
METHODS: A total of 228 participants (114 couples) completed three online questionnaires: The Revised Adult Attachment Scale, the Marital Intimacy Needs Questionnaire, and the Defense Style Questionnaire. Hierarchical multiple regression with interaction terms was used to examine the moderating effects of attachment styles and defense mechanisms on marital satisfaction.
RESULTS: Analyses showed several connections between marital satisfaction and attachment styles as well as defense mechanisms. Notably, in the prediction of marital satisfaction, secure attachment enhanced marital satisfaction when paired with mature defense mechanisms.
DISCUSSION: Our findings highlight potential interactive effects of attachment styles and defense mechanisms in shaping marital satisfaction. The results emphasize the need for therapeutic interventions that integrate both attachment-based and defense-oriented approaches to enhance marital well-being.