The Moderating Effect of Self- Differentiation in the Relationship between Perceived Stress and Marital Adjustment in Married Nurses

Introduction: The association between perceived stress and marital adjustment has received both theoretical and empirical support. However, less is known about the moderating mechanisms in this relationship. The aim of the present study was to explore the moderating effect self- differentiation in the relationship between perceived stress and marital adjustment in married nurses. Methods: In this descriptive – correlational study, from female married nurses’ population working in hospitals of Tehran, 150 people were selected via purposeful sampling method and were tested by Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) and Differentiation of Self Inventory (DSI). Then, collected data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and hierarchical linear modeling. Results: Results showed that there is a negative significant relationship between perceived stress and marital adjustment (β= -0.69, P<0.001) and there is a positive significant relationship between self-differentiation and marital adjustment (β= 0.26, P<0.001). Also, result of hierarchical linear modeling confirmed the moderating role of self-differentiation in the relationship between perceived stress and marital adjustment (β= -0.18, P<0.001). Conclusions: The present study highlights the moderating role of self-differentiation as an underlying mechanism perceived stress and marital adjustment. Therefore; developing self-differentiation in married Nurses could be a good way to protect them in the face of adversity in marital life.