The Role of Relationship Emotional Schemas and Personality Dimensions on Domestic Violence in People Referred to a Forensics Center in Iran

Objective: Domestic violence is an important social problem and according to the DSM5 classification, this problem is considered from a clinical point of view. Factors that play a role in the occurrence of domestic violence may include the personality traits of couples and the ways in which couples manage each other's emotions. The purpose of the study was to investigate the role of personality dimension and relationship emotional schema in prediction of domestic violence. Method: In this cross-sectional study, the study population included all men and women who referred to Sari forensic medicine in 2019 who were selected by convenience sampling. Data collection tools were Domestic Violence Scale, NEO Personality Questionnaire (NEO - FFI) and Relationship Emotional Schema (RESS). Data analysis was performed through correlation coefficients and regression analysis using SPSS 24 software. Results: Based on the results of stepwise regression analysis, negative relationship emotional schemas (Guilt/shame, Control, Numbness, Rational, Duration, Rumination, and Blame) and positive relationship emotional schemas (Comprehensibility, Validation, Differentiation, Values, Consensus, Acceptance, Expression) are the best predictor variable (R = 0.65; adjusted R square = 0.41; F = 44.41; P = 0.001), and personality dimension was excluded from the model because it did not have a significant predictive power. And was not able to explain the variance of domestic violence. Conclusion: According to the findings, the emotional schema of the relationship (negative/positive) and neuroticism play a key role in domestic violence. Therefore, by identifying the emotional schemas and personality traits of the couple's relationship, it is possible to provide more appropriate treatment outcomes for mental health professionals and effectively prevent the increase in domestic violence.