Abstract
Emotional divorce is one of the most complex and hidden problems in marital relationships, in which the emotional bond, intimacy, and effective communication between spouses gradually decline while the formal relationship may still continue. Research evidence indicates that the Big Five personality traits—particularly neuroticism—as well as early maladaptive schemas such as abandonment, mistrust/abuse, and emotional deprivation are among the important factors that weaken relationship quality, increase conflict, and intensify emotional divorce. In contrast, extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness have shown a protective role in many studies and are positively associated with marital satisfaction and relationship stability. The present review article aims to examine the role of the Big Five personality traits and early maladaptive schemas in couples’ emotional divorce by reviewing studies published between 2020 and 2025. The findings indicate that the combination of maladaptive personality traits and negative early schemas, through mechanisms such as reduced emotional regulation, increased misunderstanding, decreased intimacy, and heightened marital burnout, increases the likelihood of emotional divorce. Accordingly, attention to cognitive–emotional interventions, communication skills training, and schema-focused therapy may be effective in preventing and reducing emotional divorce.