On the Association Between Mindfulness and Romantic Relationship Satisfaction: the Role of Partner Acceptance.
Gesa Kappen, Johan C. Karremans, William. J. Burk, Asuman Buyukcan-Tetik
Mindfulness 2018 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-018-0902-7 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 448 |
| Population | Adults in two MTurk samples and participants of a mindfulness-based stress reduction course and their romantic partners |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Couples Dyadic Partner acceptance Relationship satisfaction Trait mindfulness |
| Key findings | Trait mindfulness was positively associated with partner acceptance in all three samples and directly positively related to relationship satisfaction in two of three studies. The authors argue that partner acceptance may mediate the link between mindfulness and relationship satisfaction, and that benefits may extend from one partner to the other through increased partner acceptance. |
Abstract
In three studies, it was investigated whether trait mindfulness is positively associated with partner acceptance, defined as the ability and willingness to accept the partner's imperfections, and whether partner acceptance explains the association between trait mindfulness and relationship satisfaction. Trait mindfulness, partner acceptance and relationship satisfaction were assessed in two MTurk samples (n 1 = 190; n 2 = 140) and a sample of participants of a mindfulness-based stress reduction course (n 3 = 118) and their partners (53 complete couples), using self-report measures. In all three samples, trait mindfulness was related to partner acceptance and in two out of three studies trait mindfulness was directly positively related to relationship satisfaction. Also, the results provided initial support for the mediating role of partner acceptance in the association between mindfulness and relationship satisfaction. Dyadic data further suggested that the benefits of mindfulness and partner acceptance on relationship satisfaction extend from the individual to the partner through increased partner acceptance. Together, the results provide initial support for the hypothesis that partner acceptance may be an important mechanism through which mindfulness promotes relationship satisfaction in both partners of a romantic couple.
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 11
- Psychometric properties of the short form of the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory in the Arabic language. International journal of environmental health research July 1, 2024
- Dispositional mindfulness profiles in pregnant women: relationships with dyadic adjustment and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Frontiers in Psychology 2023
- Mindfulness in Psychosocial Research: An Integrative Literature Review of What is Studied and How International Review of Social Psychology 2025
- Reducing anxiety and depression symptoms in pregnancy: Case report of maternal mental health from Indonesia Jurnal Aisyah Jurnal Ilmu Kesehatan September 22, 2023
- Effects of a Brief Inpatient Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction Program on Psychological Distress and Marital Satisfaction in High‐Risk Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial Health science reports September 23, 2026
and 6 more in the library
Cites 22
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2003
- Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects Psychological Inquiry October 19, 2007
- Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples Assessment February 29, 2008
and 17 more in the library