Exploring the Link between Mindfulness and Relationship Quality: Direct and Indirect Pathways

Abstract

This study serves to advance the empirical research on predictors of relationship quality by considering the role of trait mindfulness in combination with measures of stress and positive relationship behaviors among a diverse sample of men and women in couple relationships. Multi‐group structural equation models tested both direct links and indirect pathways and found stronger evidence for an additive model of trait mindfulness, perceived stress, and positive couple behaviors uniquely associated with men's and women's reports of relationship quality. Furthermore, positive relationship behaviors are comparatively the most closely linked with relationship quality for both men and women in our sample. As more clinicians are incorporating mindfulness training with clients, these types of explorations can serve to inform practices on relative value of intervention strategies and possible pathways for enhancing couple relationship quality.

A strong relationality view of mindfulness and flourishing I–Thou relations: A dyadic analysis.

“…Research on the role of mindfulness and couple relationships has demonstrated that mindfulness is associated with more pro-relationship behaviors, relationship satisfaction, and relationship quality. Indeed, our findings are consistent with prior findings noting the role of mindfulness in promoting couple dynamics and increased relationship quality (Adair et al, 2018; Erkan et al, 2021; Karremans et al, 2017; McGill & Adler-Baeder, 2020; McGill et al, 2016, 2020; Pepping & Halford, 2016). Yet, this body of research has scarcely incorporated strongly relational theories to outline the importance of mindfulness for couple relationships, has mostly been conducted at the individual level, and has often used narrow conceptualizations of relationship quality (Harvey et al, 2019).…”

“…Mindful individuals better manage negative emotions, communicate better, experience fewer physiological impacts from partner’s negative behaviors, and demonstrate commitment, respect, and support, even in distressed environments (Barnes et al, 2007; Laurent et al, 2016; Wachs & Cordova, 2007). When stressed, trait mindfulness coupled with positive couple behaviors significantly enhanced partners’ relationship quality (McGill & Adler-Baeder, 2020). When a partner engaged in regular meditation practice, both partners reported intrapersonal and interpersonal shifts in individual and couple relationship quality (Erkan et al, 2021).…”

Mindfulness, perceived partner responsiveness, and relationship quality: A dyadic longitudinal mediation model

“…First, we applied a robust statistical framework, the APIMeM (Ledermann et al, 2011), to examine longitudinal associations between constructs while accounting for couples’ interdependence. To date, few studies examining mindfulness-related outcomes in couples have examined dyadic mediation models (for exceptions, see Adair et al, 2018; McGill & Adler-Baeder, 2020). Second, this is the first study to demonstrate the temporal relationship between mindfulness, PPR, and relationship quality using a longitudinal mediational model (including testing alternate temporal models), enabling us to draw stronger inferences regarding directionality than earlier cross-sectional studies (Bollen & Pearl, 2013).…”

The dyadic influences of mindfulness on relationship functioning

“…Family stress and coping theorists take a systemic approach and emphasize strengths and skills that are essential for successful family adaptation in the context of stress. Mindfulness is considered an individual resource, skill, or characteristic that has the ability to positively influence one’s own relationship functioning in the context of stress (McGill & Adler-Baeder, 2019). Empirical evidence supports these assumptions.…”