The Association Between Mindfulness, Shared Relationship Activity Engagement, Connectedness, and Positive Interaction in Couple Relationships

Abstract

This study examined a structural model linking mindfulness to positive interaction in couple relationships, focusing on the mediating roles of shared relationship activity engagement and relational social connectedness. Despite growing interest in mindfulness and relational outcomes, the mechanisms through which mindfulness fosters positive couple dynamics remain underexplored. Using data from 1328 adults in the southeastern United States, structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to assess the hypothesized pathways. Results demonstrated a good model fit and revealed that individuals' mindfulness was directly associated with greater engagement in shared relationship activities. Furthermore, both shared activity engagement and relational social connectedness significantly mediated the association between mindfulness and positive interaction in couple relationships. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how mindfulness enhances relational functioning and underscore the importance of fostering both interpersonal connectedness and shared relational practices in therapeutic and educational settings aimed at strengthening couple relationships.