Self-Expansion and Marital Commitment Among Married Medical Students: An Exploratory Study

Self-expansion theory suggests that individuals pursue personal growth by incorporating aspects of their romantic partners into their self-concept, which may enhance relational satisfaction and commitment. Although widely studied in Western contexts, the theory's applicability in non-Western, collectivist societies, remains underexplored. This study investigated the association between self-expansion and marital commitment among married medical students in Iran. Using a cross-sectional, correlational design, 133 participants (83 women, 50 men) from a medical university [Name Blinded] were selected through random sampling. Participants completed the Marital Commitment Dimensions Scale and the Self-Expansion Questionnaire. Analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and simple linear regression. Results showed significant positive correlations between self-expansion and total marital commitment ( r = .35, p < .01), commitment to spouse ( r = .43, p < .01), and commitment to marriage ( r = .31, p < .01), but not with compulsive commitment. Regression analysis confirmed that self-expansion significantly predicted marital commitment (β = .352, R 2 = 0.124, p < .01). These findings extend the cross-cultural relevance of self-expansion theory and suggest that fostering growth-oriented experiences within marriage may strengthen commitment in young couples navigating personal and cultural transitions.