Structural Equation Modeling of the Relationships Sensory Processing Patterns, Executive Functions, Mentalization, and Conflict Resolution Tactics in Married Women

The purpose of the present study was to investigate a structural equation model of the relationship between sensory processing patterns, executive functions, and conflict-resolution tactics, considering the mediating role of mentalization in married women. This correlational study employed structural equation modeling. A sample of 450 participants was selected using convenience and sampling; after screening and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 405 women remained in the final analysis. The research instruments included the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile by Brown and Dunn (2002), the Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale–Short Form (2011), the Mentalization Questionnaire by Fonagy et al. (2016), and the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale by Straus et al. (2004). Findings indicated that the conflict resolution tactics model (aggressor form) explained 28% of the variance in mentalizing (R² = .28), 39% of the variance in maladaptive conflict resolution (R² = .39), and 55% of the variance in adaptive conflict resolution (R² = .55). The victim-form model explained 26% of the variance in mentalizing (R² = .26), 32% of the variance in maladaptive conflict resolution (R² = .32), and 51% of the variance in adaptive conflict resolution (R² = .51). These results highlight the central role of mentalizing in conflict resolution processes and its associations with cognitive and sensory characteristics in married women.