Objective: The present study aimed to develop and test a structural equation model (SEM) of marital satisfaction based on early maladaptive schemas, with self-compassion serving as a mediating variable.

Methods: This applied study employed a descriptive–correlational design, specifically structural equation modeling. Data were collected using three standardized instruments: the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire (Enrich, 1987), the Young Schema Questionnaire (Young, 1998), and the Self-Compassion Scale (2023). Inferential statistical analyses were conducted using AMOS software to evaluate the proposed structural model.

Results: The findings indicated that the structural model of marital satisfaction based on early maladaptive schemas, mediated by self-compassion, demonstrated acceptable goodness-of-fit indices. The results support the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and marital satisfaction.

Conclusions: Overall, the proposed model showed satisfactory fit, suggesting that self-compassion meaningfully mediates the impact of early maladaptive schemas on marital satisfaction. These findings highlight the importance of addressing maladaptive schemas and cultivating self-compassion in therapeutic and educational interventions designed to enhance marital well-being.