الحذر من المخاطرة العاطفية كدافع للزواج التقليدي

Abstract

Divorce rates are rising, highlighting the critical importance of careful partner selection. This study investigates whether fear of emotional risk (e.g., relationship failure, family disapproval) drives individuals towards traditional marriage, where family involvement in partner selection is high. The study explores the relationship between emotional risk aversion, cognitive abilities (as indicated by academic performance), and the choice of traditional versus self-directed marriage.

Importance: The family is the cornerstone of society, and marriage is a foundational element of family formation. Understanding the factors influencing partner selection is crucial for marital stability and societal well-being. This study explores a potentially significant, yet under-researched, factor: emotional risk aversion.

Methods: A descriptive methodology was employed. A sample of 200 students (97 male, 103 female) from Karbala University, College of Education for Human Sciences, was randomly selected. A newly developed scale, the "Emotional Risk Aversion Scale," was constructed and validated through expert review, item analysis (correlation with total score, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis), and reliability analysis (Cronbach's alpha). The scale assessed dimensions such as fear of commitment, attachment, peer pressure, emotional challenges, and social perceptions of relationships.

Results: University students demonstrated a significant level of emotional risk aversion. Significant gender differences were found, with females exhibiting higher levels of emotional risk aversion than males. A positive correlation was found between age and emotional risk aversion.