An Examination of the Association Between Relationship Mindfulness and Psychological and Relational Well-being in Committed Couples

J Marital Fam Ther. 2020 Jan;46(1):30-41. doi: 10.1111/jmft.12388. Epub 2019 Jun 4.

Abstract

Relationship mindfulness is the degree to which individuals tend to be mindful during interactions with romantic partners. In this study, we examined both the intrapersonal and interpersonal links between relationship mindfulness and psychological and relationship functioning in a sample of 219 couples who had been in their relationship for at least 1 year. Even when accounting for the general tendency to be mindful, relationship mindfulness was linked with markers of relationship well-being and psychological functioning, both intrapersonally and interpersonally. The findings bring to light the importance of considering relationship mindfulness in clinical work with couples that focuses on addressing deficiencies in relationship or psychological well-being.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Male
  • Mindfulness*
  • Personal Satisfaction*
  • Sexual Partners / psychology*