Abstract

Maintaining intimate relationships is essential to individual well-being and social stability. This review systematizes foundational models of emotional competence (EC) and clarifies its mediating role in the relationship between attachment styles and relationship quality. Emphasizing the “emotional plasticity” of EC, the article proposes directions for applied research that integrate mediation and moderation analyses, as well as the Actor–Partner Interdependence Model (APIM), together with multi-level intervention strategies tailored to the Vietnamese cultural context. These approaches aim to optimize emotional regulation and strengthen the sustainability of intimate relationships.

Keywords: Applied research, couple therapy, emotional competence, intimate relationships, theoretical review.