Intimate Partners’ Perspectives on the Relational Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Training: A Qualitative Research Study

Abstract

Using general systems theory, we describe findings from a larger qualitative phenomenological study that examined the relational effects of mindfulness training when one member of a couple completed an 8-week, mindfulness-based stress reduction program (MBSR) in the last 6 months. In this segment of the larger qualitative study, we describe what intimate partners observed and if they experienced any direct benefits from the graduates' individual MBSR training. Eleven primarily White, college-educated couples (nine heterosexual and two same sex couples) participated in the larger study; average relationship length was 13.8 years. The following three major themes and seven subthemes emerged for the 11 intimate partners of MBSR graduates: (1) positive observations (general positive perception, graduate's improved emotional balance); (2) perceived impact (perception of communications, impact on intimate partner and relationship); and (3) meaning making (appreciation, incongruence of meaning, continuing practice). Findings suggest intimate partners observed improved emotional balance in MBSR graduates, but reported that behavioral changes were limited in scale and just emerging. Developing mindfulnessenhanced couple interventions that target dyadic outcomes could improve the relational benefits of mindfulness practice. Future studies should examine emotion regulation as a potential relational pathway of mindfulness and include more diverse samples of couples.

Mindful Mates: A Pilot Study of the Relational Effects of Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction on Participants and Their Partners

“…However, given the focus on retrospective qualitative data in this study, Gillespie et al. () did not statistically assess whether quantitative improvements in levels of mindfulness contributed to relationship outcomes. In another study, Carson, Carson, Gil, and Baucom () developed and implemented a novel mindfulness program for nondistressed couples called Mindfulness‐Based Relationship Enhancement (MBRE; see Carson, Carson, Gil, & Baucom, ) that was adapted from Kabat‐Zinn's () MBSR program.…”

“…In fact, in the only study to examine the relationship functioning of couples in which only one partner received mindfulness training, Gillespie et al. () noted the emergence of several qualitative themes related to increased sense of calmness in the couple relationship and nonparticipatory partners’ generally positive appraisals of their partners’ efforts to improve their emotional balance through MBSR. However, because of the reliance on qualitative retrospective interview data from only one member of the dyad in this study, the specific effects of mindfulness training for one partner on the relationship experiences of both partners remain largely unknown.…”

“…However, given the focus on qualitative data analysis in this study, Smith et al (2014) did not statistically assess whether quantitative improvements in levels of mindfulness contributed to relationship outcomes. Similarly, Gillespie, Davey, and Flemke (2015) conducted a qualitative phenomenological analysis of the reported relational effects of mindfulness training among 11 romantic partners of individuals who had completed an MBSR program in the past 6 months. Several positive themes emerged in partners' interview responses regarding the effect of their partners' participation in an MBSR course on their relationship functioning, including perceptions of improved emotional balance in their MBSR-graduated partners as well as decreases in their own stress levels due to their partners' improved emotional balance (Gillespie et al, 2015).…”

“…Similarly, Gillespie, Davey, and Flemke (2015) conducted a qualitative phenomenological analysis of the reported relational effects of mindfulness training among 11 romantic partners of individuals who had completed an MBSR program in the past 6 months. Several positive themes emerged in partners' interview responses regarding the effect of their partners' participation in an MBSR course on their relationship functioning, including perceptions of improved emotional balance in their MBSR-graduated partners as well as decreases in their own stress levels due to their partners' improved emotional balance (Gillespie et al, 2015). However, given the focus on retrospective qualitative data in this study, Gillespie et al (2015) did not statistically assess whether quantitative improvements in levels of mindfulness contributed to relationship outcomes.…”

Interpersonal Neurobiology and Couple Relationship Quality: A Longitudinal Model

“…Couples who practice mindfulness may feel a variety of relational effects, including less reactivity, better understanding, and more well-being in their relationships (Pruit and McCollum 2010). The potential for understanding how emotion regulation and mindfulness-based stress reduction training can help couples is just beginning (Gillespie et al 2015). Mindfulness may be used to promote healthy relationships between adolescents and parents through improving empathy and positive affect (Hawks et al 2015), and through mindful parenting interventions (see Duncan et al 2009).…”