Prediction of Tendency to Opposite Sex Based on Father-Daughter Interaction, Emotional Schema and Spiritual Intelligence: The Mediating Role of Self-Esteem and Cognitive Emotion Regulation
Journal of Pizhūhish dar dīn va Salāmat (i.e., Research on Religion & Health),
Vol. 12 No. 3 (2026),
6 October 2026
https://doi.org/10.22037/jrrh.v12i3.48431
Abstract
Background and Objective: Ineffective attraction to the opposite sex and the growing number of unstructured relationships between girls and boys are among the key social challenges in today’s society, particularly posing risks to young people, especially girls. Investigating the predictive factors of such tendencies can therefore be an important issue for the younger generation. The present study aimed to examine the prediction of tendency to opposite sex based on father-daughter interaction, emotional schemas, and spiritual intelligence, with the mediating roles of self-esteem and cognitive emotion regulation.
Methods: The research method of the present study was descriptive-correlational (non-experimental).The study population included all single female students at Bahonar University of Kerman in 2024 (1403 in the Persian calendar), from which 334 participants were selected via convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Parent–Child Relationship Questionnaire, Emotional Schema Questionnaire, Spiritual Intelligence Scale, Self-Esteem Scale, the short form of the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ), and a researcher-made questionnaire on attraction to the opposite sex. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) through SPSS and M-plus software. In this study, all ethical principles have been observed, and the authors have reported no conflicts of interest.
Findings: Spiritual intelligence had a direct, significant, and negative effect on tendency to opposite sex (β = -0.64, P<0.000). Its indirect effect through self-esteem (β = 0.102, P<0.001) and positive cognitive emotion regulation (β = 0.07, P<0.005) was positive and significant. Emotional schemas also had a significant and negative indirect effect on tendency to opposite sex through self-esteem (β = -0.083, P<0.001).
Conclusion: In addition to the direct, reducing effect of spiritual intelligence on individuals’ tendency toward dysfunctional opposite-sex relationships, both emotional schemas and spiritual intelligence indirectly influence this tendency. Therefore, strengthening spiritual values and beliefs within the family context may be an effective factor in reducing the negative consequences of unhealthy relationships among young girls.
- Adaptation
- Emotions
- Parent-child Relations
- Psychological
- Self-concept
- Sexual Behavior
- Spirituality
How to Cite
References
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