Indirect Effects of Self-Differentiation and Mentalization on Family of Origin Health and Marital Satisfaction Among Korean Adults

This study explored the structural relationships among family of origin health, self-differentiation, mentalization, and marital satisfaction, focusing on indirect effects and gender differences. Data from 400 married Korean adults aged 30-49 were analyzed using structural equation modeling and multigroup analysis. Results revealed that all paths were significant except the direct impact of family-of-origin health on marital satisfaction. Indirect effects analyses confirmed significant individual and sequential indirect effects of self-differentiation and mentalization. Gender differences emerged: mentalization significantly influenced marital satisfaction in men but not in women, while family of origin health directly impacted marital satisfaction in women but not in men. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating self-differentiation and mentalization into couple counseling and suggest the need for gender-sensitive interventions to address marital satisfaction effectively.