Mahnaz Joukar

Background: Marital satisfaction refers to the sense of contentment, subjective satisfaction, and the experience of positive emotions in married life. It is sometimes interpreted as the alignment between expectations from marriage and the realities experienced. Aim: The present study aimed to predict marital satisfaction based on positive and negative emotions, differentiation, and sexual intimacy among women with and without marital satisfaction in Shiraz. Methodology: This research employed a correlational and predictive design. The statistical population consisted of married women in Shiraz in 2024, from which 300 participants were selected through convenience and purposive sampling. The data collection instruments included the Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire (ENRICH), the Positive and Negative emotions(PANAS) , the Differentiation of Self (DSI-SH), and the Batlani Sexual Intimacy. Findings: The results indicated that positive and negative emotions, differentiation, and sexual intimacy significantly predicted group membership (with or without marital satisfaction) among women. Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that positive and negative emotions, differentiation, and sexual intimacy play a significant role in predicting marital satisfaction. These results can assist counselors and psychologists in providing appropriate interventions and educational programs for individuals experiencing marital dissatisfaction.