The influence of mindfulness on intimate relationships

doi:10.3724/SP.J.1042.2020.01551

Abstract

Abstract:

Mindfulness in an intimate relationship indicates the conscious attention to feelings or thoughts paid by individuals that may affect the relationship. It has gradually attracted academic attention in theory and applications research because of its contributions to improve relationship satisfaction and buffer conflicts. The theoretical framework of interaction patterns between partners helps to understand the process and outcomes of intimate relationships at the level of the dyad. Researchers usually use self-report questionnaires, laboratory-based inductions and mindfulness interventions to explore the effects of mindfulness on intimate relationships. Since mindfulness intervention has a protective and remedial function for intimate relationships, it is applied to different relationship states such as relative happiness, facing challenges, and falling into crisis. Future research consists of four aspects. Firstly, constructing the theory based on the staged characteristics and possible reverse effects; secondly, conceptualizing the theoretical definition from multi-dimensional as well as dynamic perspective by relying on the interaction pattern and staged characteristics of the intimate relationship following by the measurement through the mutual evaluation or observational coding; thirdly, using robust designs to clarify the effects of interventions and finally paying attention to potential adverse effects.

Key words: intimate relationships, mindfulness, meditation, intervention

CLC Number:

B849: C91

CHEN Guodian, YANG Tongping. The influence of mindfulness on intimate relationships[J]. Advances in Psychological Science, 2020, 28(9): 1551-1563.

Figures/Tables 2

References 80

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正念干预项目	干预对象	干预目的
正念强化关系疗法 (Mindfulness-based Relationship Enhancement, MBRE)	相对幸福、无冲突的伴侣	强化亲密关系, 提高压力应对能力。
准父母正念过渡项目 (Mindful Transition to Parenthood Program, MTPP)	即将迎来第一个小孩的准父母	预防关系恶化, 帮助伴侣共同面对因小孩的出生而带来的角色转换和潜在的压力。
接纳与承诺疗法 (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, ACT)	关系出现危机的伴侣	减少关系冲突, 提高关系质量。

正念干预项目	干预对象	干预目的
正念强化关系疗法 (Mindfulness-based Relationship Enhancement, MBRE)	相对幸福、无冲突的伴侣	强化亲密关系, 提高压力应对能力。
准父母正念过渡项目 (Mindful Transition to Parenthood Program, MTPP)	即将迎来第一个小孩的准父母	预防关系恶化, 帮助伴侣共同面对因小孩的出生而带来的角色转换和潜在的压力。
接纳与承诺疗法 (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, ACT)	关系出现危机的伴侣	减少关系冲突, 提高关系质量。