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Relationship mindfulness, negative relationship quality, and physical health.

Katherine L Morris, Chrystal N McDowell, Dania Tawfiq, Carson Outler, Jonathan G. Kimmes

Journal of Marital and Family Therapy October 19, 2023 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12677 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Observational study using an Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediation Model Peer reviewed
Sample size 116
Population Middle-aged different-sex couples
Topics Meditation
Keywords Humans Middle aged Sexual partners Physical health Negative relationship quality Relationship mindfulness
Key findings Relationship mindfulness was significantly associated with negative relationship quality and physical health for both actors and partners in an Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediation Model. The authors propose that relationship mindfulness may help decrease negative relationship quality and subsequently benefit individual physical health, suggesting a potential clinical target.

Abstract

Romantic relationships have the potential to be a great source of support or a significant stressor depending on the quality of the relationship. Given the importance of these relationships, it is important to explore possible predictors of relationship quality, primarily if such predictors can be targeted in a clinical setting. Relationship mindfulness, or the propensity to be mindful in the setting of a romantic relationship, is one such option. The current study explored the associations between relationship mindfulness, negative relationship quality, and physical health. An online assessment was completed by 116 middle-aged different-sex couples that measured the variables of interest. In addition, an Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediation Model was utilized to determine significant associations between relationship mindfulness, negative relationship quality, and physical health for both actors and partners. The clinical implications are that relationship mindfulness may help to decrease negative relationship quality and subsequently benefit individual physical health.

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

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