Extrinsic emotion regulation, which is done as a deliberate intention to influence the emotional path of another person, plays a key role in close relationships. This study aimed to investigate the causal model of personality traits and secure attachment style on couple’s positive extrinsic emotion regulation, with dyadic perspective taking as a mediator. This was a descriptive-correlational study using structural equation modelling. The comprised population married people living in Bushehr. A total of 400 participants were recruited through convenience sampling and an online call. After excluding 18 incomplete questionnaires, data from 382 participants were analyzed. Measures included: the Couples’ Extrinsic Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, the short form of five-factor personality ,, the adult attachment styles and the dyadic perspective taking questionnaire. Data were analyzed by structural equation modelling, and using AMOS-24 software. Bootstrap test was used to test indirect effects.
The proposed model showed a good fit to the data. Extraversion , agreeableness , and secure attachment style were positively and significantly associated with couple’s positive extrinsic emotion regulation, whereas neuroticism was negatively and significantly associated whit it. Dyadic perspective taking significantly mediated the relationship of neuroticism ,extraversion ,agreeableness , and conscientiousness , with couple’s positive extrinsic emotion regulation. Also, dyadic perspective taking significantly mediated the relationship between secure attachment style , with couple’s positive extrinsic emotion regulation.
Overall, Personality traits and secure attachment style, directly and indirectly affect couple’s positive extrinsic emotion regulation through dyadic perspective taking. Attention to these variables may contribute to improving couple’s adjustment and marital quality.