Predicting Posttraumatic Growth Based on Perceived Social Support and Experiential Avoidance in Men with Divorce Experience: The Mediating Role of Emotional Expression

Abstract

This study aimed to predict posttraumatic growth (PTG) based on perceived social support and experiential avoidance with the mediating role of emotional expression among divorced men. This descriptive-correlational study employed a path analysis approach. The statistical population included 242 divorced men residing in Babol in 2025, selected through purposive sampling. The instruments were the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (Zimet et al., 1988), the Multidimensional Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (Gámez et al., 2011), and the Emotional Expression Questionnaire (King & Emmons, 1990). Data were analyzed using SPSS-27 and AMOS-24 through Pearson correlation and path analysis. Perceived social support had a significant positive effect on emotional expression (β = 0.38, p < 0.01). Emotional expression positively predicted PTG (β = 0.18, p < 0.01), and perceived social support had a direct positive effect on PTG (β = 0.57, p < 0.01). Experiential avoidance exerted a significant negative effect on PTG (β = −0.17, p < 0.01), while its direct relationship with emotional expression was nonsignificant (p > 0.05). The indirect effect of perceived social support through emotional expression was significant (β = 0.07, p < 0.01). Model fit indices indicated an excellent fit (χ²/df = 1.0; CFI = 1.00; GFI = 1.00; RMSEA = 0.01). The findings emphasize that perceived social support and emotional expression foster posttraumatic growth, while experiential avoidance inhibits it. Strengthening social support systems and emotional expression skills can promote psychological recovery and resilience in divorced men.