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Extended Abstract: Introduction The rising rate of divorce has become a growing social and mental health concern, underscoring the need to identify the psychological factors that contribute to the distress experienced by couples on the verge of marital dissolution. Psychological distress—comprising symptoms of anxiety and depression—can function both as a predictor and a consequence of divorce. Therefore, identifying the protective factors or risk factors related to distress is essential for designing effective clinical and preventive interventions. One fundamental factor influencing adult mental health and interpersonal functioning is the quality of the family of origin, which is closely linked to attachment patterns, intimacy, and autonomy. Among interpersonal variables, the need for belonging is a basic human motivation, and unmet needs for belonging have repeatedly been associated with mental health problems. The present study investigates whether the need for belonging mediates the relationship between family-of-origin quality and psychological distress among men and women seeking divorce. Literature Review Prior research demonstrates that a healthy family-of-origin environment—characterized by emotional intimacy, cohesion, and autonomy—predicts marital satisfaction and reduces conflict (Beliad et al., 2014; Muraru & Turliuc, 2012). Other studies show that unmet belongingness needs are strongly associated with internalizing symptoms, anxiety, depression, and overall lower well-being (Verhagen et al., 2018). Furthermore, findings suggest that the family of origin shapes attachment styles and belongingness, which in turn influence adult psychological functioning (Hardy et al., 2015). Despite these findings, limited research has examined the mediating role of the need for belonging between family-of-origin experiences and psychological distress in divorce-seeking populations, justifying the present study, which aims to fill this gap. Methodology This descriptive–correlational study employed structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population consisted of all individuals seeking divorce who visited judiciary-approved counseling centers in Mashhad during the first half of 2023. A convenience sample of 300 participants (150 women, 150 men) was recruited.The study used the following instruments: The Family-of-Origin Scale (FOS; Hovestadt et al., 1985), the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10; Kessler et al., 2002), and the Need to Belong Scale (Kelly, 1999). Data analysis included Pearson correlations and SEM using SPSS 25 and AMOS 24. Validity and reliability indices were assessed. The assumptions of normality, the absence of outliers, and no multicollinearity were met. Results The sample consisted of 300 participants with an equal gender distribution. The mean age was approximately 32.23 years, and the average duration of marriage was about 9.47 years. Correlational analyses indicated a significant negative association between family-of-origin quality and psychological distress (r = –0.37, p < .01), while the need to belong showed a significant positive association with distress (r = .40, p < .01). Structural equation modeling further demonstrated that the direct effect of family-of-origin quality on distress was significant and negative (β = –0.35, p < .001). Family-of-origin quality was also significantly associated with the need to belong (β = –0.34), and the need to belong, in turn, exerted a significant positive effect on distress (β = .28) (Fig 1). Bootstrapping results revealed that the indirect effect of family-of-origin quality on psychological distress through the need to belong was likewise significant and negative (indirect β ≈ –0.10, p < .001). Model fit indices (CFI = .992, RMSEA = .078, among others) indicated an acceptable fit, and the predictors together accounted for approximately 27% of the variance in psychological distress. Figure 1. Standardized Path Coefficients Need to Belong Psychological Distress Autonomy Intimacy Family of Origin e3 e4 e1 .799 .759 -.344 .281 -.348 Discussion The findings indicate that higher family-of-origin quality serves as a protective factor against psychological distress among divorce-seeking individuals. This relationship is partially mediated by the need to belong. In line with attachment theory and intergenerational models (such as Bowen’s framework), early family experiences shape interpersonal schemas, emotional security, and belongingness, which influence individuals’ vulnerability or resilience in later life when encountering major relational crises such as divorce. From a clinical perspective, these findings suggest that interventions aimed at strengthening the need to belong, addressing unmet relational needs, and processing family-of-origin experiences may help reduce distress and improve psychological outcomes among individuals undergoing divorce. Conclusion Both family-of-origin quality and the need to belong significantly predict psychological distress in individuals seeking divorce, with belongingness serving as a meaningful mediator. The study highlights the importance of developing counseling and therapeutic programs that foster belongingness and target unresolved family-of-origin issues. Future research using longitudinal designs, randomized samples, and cultural/gender-based comparisons is recommended to further refine these findings. Keywords: Need to Belong, Family-of-Origin Quality, Psychological Distress, Divorce.