Mindfulness protects relationship quality from stress: Roles of trait mindfulness and relationship mindfulness

Objective

This study aimed to empirically test how trait mindfulness (i.e., one's general tendency to be mindful) and relationship mindfulness (i.e., being mindful in relationships) protect couple relationships from stress and the potential extra buffer perceived partner relationship mindfulness provides.

Background

Stress has harmful effects on couple relationships, but mindfulness may mitigate such effects. Yet, no study has empirically tested the distinct but complementary roles various forms of mindfulness play in this process.

Method

A sample of 249 individuals in romantic relationships completed a cross-sectional survey that included measures of mindfulness, perceived stress, and relationship quality.

Results

(a) Trait mindfulness was associated with better relationship quality through reduced perceived stress. (b) Relationship mindfulness moderated the link between perceived stress and negative relationship quality and was a moderated mediator in the model. (c) Perceived partner relationship mindfulness served as an extra buffer on the link between perceived stress and negative relationship quality.

Conclusion

The results extended the theoretical model of mindfulness and romantic relationships by empirically demonstrating the various roles of mindfulness in protecting relationships from stress.

Implications

Practitioners should consider targeting both trait mindfulness and relationship mindfulness, as well as promoting perceived partner relationship mindfulness and joint participation in mindfulness-based couple interventions.