The role of mindfulness in romantic relationship satisfaction and responses to relationship stress.
Sean W Barnes, K. Brown, Elizabeth A. Krusemark, W. K. Campbell, Ronald D. Rogge
Journal of Marital and Family Therapy October 1, 2007 DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-0606.2007.00033.x (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Longitudinal study; replication study with conflict discussion paradigm Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Higher trait mindfulness predicted greater relationship satisfaction and more constructive responses to relationship stress in both studies. In Study 2, trait mindfulness also predicted lower emotional stress responses and positive pre- and postconflict changes in relationship perception, while state mindfulness was associated with better communication quality during conflict discussions. |
Abstract
Two studies examined the role of mindfulness in romantic relationship satisfaction and in responses to relationship stress. Using a longitudinal design, Study 1 found that higher trait mindfulness predicted higher relationship satisfaction and greater capacities to respond constructively to relationship stress. Study 2 replicated and extended these findings. Mindfulness was again shown to relate to relationship satisfaction; then, using a conflict discussion paradigm, trait mindfulness was found to predict lower emotional stress responses and positive pre- and postconflict change in perception of the relationship. State mindfulness was related to better communication quality during the discussion. Both studies indicated that mindfulness may play an influential role in romantic relationship well-being. Discussion highlights future research directions for this new area of inquiry.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Undergraduate students | 2006 | Observational cohort | |
| Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders Patients with generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder with or without agoraphobia | 1992 | Observational cohort | n = 22 |
| Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness Participants with extensive Insight meditation experience and matched controls | 2005 | Observational cohort | n = 20 |
| Meditation experience is associated with differences in default mode network activity and connectivity Experienced meditators and matched meditation-naive controls | 2011 | Observational cohort | |
| Long-term meditators self-induce high-amplitude gamma synchrony during mental practice Long-term Buddhist practitioners and controls | 2004 | Observational cohort |
Citations in the library
Cited by 66
- Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects Psychological Inquiry October 19, 2007
- Contemplating Mindfulness at Work Journal of Management November 19, 2015
- A Model of Mindful Parenting: Implications for Parent–Child Relationships and Prevention Research Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review May 2, 2009
- Assessing adolescent mindfulness: Validation of an Adapted Mindful Attention Awareness Scale in adolescent normative and psychiatric populations. Psychological Assessment 2011
- The moderation of Mindfulness‐based stress reduction effects by trait mindfulness: Results from a randomized controlled trial Journal of Clinical Psychology December 22, 2010
and 61 more in the library
Cites 4
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Validation of the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale in a cancer population. Journal of Psychosomatic Research January 2005
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction and health benefits. A meta-analysis. Journal of Psychosomatic Research July 1, 2004
- Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on medical and premedical students. Journal of Behavioral Medicine December 1998