Objective: This study aimed to develop and test a structural equation model for predicting marital conflict based on early maladaptive schemas, gender stereotypes, and emotional needs, with the mediating role of coping styles. Methods and Materials: The research adopted a correlational design using structural equation modeling. The statistical population included 1,760 married men and women with marital conflicts who had sought counseling services in Tehran in 2024. Using purposive sampling, 500 participants were selected who had been married for at least six months and voluntarily completed six standardized questionnaires: the Marital Conflict Questionnaire (MCQ), Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Form, Bem Sex Role Inventory (short form), Emotional Needs Questionnaire, Young-Rigg Schema Avoidance Inventory, and Young’s Overcompensation Inventory. Data were analyzed using SmartPLS software through both descriptive and inferential statistics, including path coefficients and indirect effects. Findings: The results showed that disconnection and rejection schema (β = 0.413, p < 0.001), other-directedness (β = 0.214, p < 0.001), avoidance coping (β = 0.217, p < 0.001), and overcompensation coping (β = 0.122, p = 0.010) were significant direct predictors of marital conflict. Emotional needs significantly predicted both avoidance (β = 0.175, p = 0.014) and overcompensation coping (β = 0.246, p < 0.001). Gender stereotypes also played a role, with neutrality negatively predicting marital conflict (β = –0.229, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis confirmed significant indirect effects of impaired autonomy and emotional needs on marital conflict via avoidance coping, and of impaired limits and over-vigilance via overcompensation coping (p < 0.05). However, several indirect paths through gender stereotypes were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The findings support a comprehensive model where early maladaptive schemas, emotional needs, and gender stereotypes predict marital conflict through maladaptive coping styles. These insights can inform schema-based couple therapy by addressing cognitive-emotional vulnerabilities and promoting healthier coping mechanisms in marital relationships.
