Mindfulness in Relationships: Eight-Week Mindfulness Intervention Associated with Decreased Negative Emotion and Increased Nonreactivity in Non-meditating Romantic Partners
Christopher J. May, Rhoda Schuling, Liv Ziegfeld, Neena Haneen Abou El Hessen, Amber Bunting, Fanni Kleilein, Brian D. Ostafin, Marieke K. van Vugt
Mindfulness March 6, 2026 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-026-02800-2 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 59 |
| Population | Romantic couples with one partner participating in an 8-week course |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based course |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Interpersonal communication Mindfulness meditation Intervention counseling Romance Facet psychology Interpersonal relationship Psychotherapist Clinical psychology Randomized controlled trial Negative emotion Interpersonal interaction Interpersonal psychotherapy |
| Key findings | Non-meditating partners of mindfulness course participants showed reductions in negative emotion and increased nonreactivity, with the participant's nonreactivity predicting the partner's negative emotion. |
Abstract
Abstract Objectives Mindfulness meditation is widely recognized for its individual psychological benefits, yet its interpersonal effects remain underexplored. This daily diary study examined whether and how mindfulness practice by one romantic partner influences the emotional well-being of their non-meditating partner.
Method: Using a randomized controlled design, couples were assigned to either an 8-week mindfulness-based course condition (MBCC) or an active control—a positive psychology course condition (PPCC)—with only one partner participating in the intervention.
Results: Results from 32 MBCC couples and 27 PPCC couples indicated that course participants and their partners in the MBCC exhibited reductions in negative emotion over time. In addition, MBCC partners showed a significant increase in the mindfulness facet of nonreactivity, which was not observed in partners in the PPCC. Further analysis revealed that MBCC partners’ negative emotion was predicted by the previous day nonreactivity of their course-participating partners.
Conclusions: These results highlight that nonreactivity may both be an important interpersonal outcome and mechanism of meditation interventions. Future research is needed to better understand the precise role of nonreactivity in relationships.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cites 14
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation Perspectives on Psychological Science October 10, 2017
- The Effect of Mindfulness-based Programs on Cognitive Function in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Neuropsychology Review August 4, 2021
- Stress appraisal and emotion regulation mediate the association between mindfulness and affect in cancer patients: Differential mechanisms for positive and negative affect. Psycho-Oncology August 16, 2023
- Mindfulness-Based Couple Interventions: A Systematic Literature Review. Family Process June 11, 2021
and 9 more in the library