Changing the blame game: Associations between relationship mindfulness, loneliness, negative partner attributions, and subsequent conflict

Abstract

Given the important associations between couple conflict and various physical and mental health outcomes, it is essential to explore factors that may catalyze or exacerbate the frequency and impact of conflict in romantic relationships. One such factor may be relationship mindfulness, or the tendency to have a nonjudgmental awareness of one’s experiences in romantic relationships. Previous research has demonstrated a link between relationship mindfulness and various relational outcomes, but its association with relationship conflict has not yet been explored. Additionally, the current study sought to explore the mechanisms that link relationship mindfulness and relational outcomes. Based on previous research connecting conflict to negative partner attributions, the study examined how relationship mindfulness may predict conflict through negative partner attributions. Furthermore, the study aimed to incorporate loneliness as a potential mediator between relationship mindfulness and negative partner attributions. A sample of 116 different-sex middle-aged married couples were recruited to complete an online assessment. Using an actor–partner interdependence mediation model, the results indicated several significant associations among relationship mindfulness, negative partner attributions, loneliness, and relationship conflict. For example, a significant indirect effect was found; that is, female relationship mindfulness was associated with decreased relationship conflict via its prior association with both male loneliness and additionally through male loneliness and subsequent male negative partner attributions. The results indicate that by employing interventions that increase relationship mindfulness, it may be possible to both reduce loneliness and encourage more charitable partner attributions which, in turn, may reduce couple conflict.

Relationship mindfulness, negative relationship quality, and physical health

“…Therefore, it would be logical to anticipate that increasing female relationship mindfulness will considerably affect the quality of male relationships. This is similar to a concept presented by Morris et al (2022) regarding differences in female versus male relationship mindfulness and subsequent relational outcomes. However, it is worth noting that the gender differences in each of the model's paths were not statistically significant.…”

“…These results are consistent with previous findings linking trait mindfulness with health outcomes such as cardiovascular activity during a conflict between married couples (Kimmes, May, et al, 2018). One explanation for this finding could be that increased relationship mindfulness may reduce conflict in a couple, and past research has provided some support for this conclusion (Morris et al, 2022). Reduction in highly conflictual arguments could mitigate some of the effects of prolonged physiological arousal that contribute to negative health outcomes.…”

“…This finding is consistent with our theoretical model in that the experiences of one partner cannot be examined alone (Sullivan, 1947). Female relationship mindfulness has been previously associated with decreased relationship conflict (Morris et al, 2022). Given that increased conflict can decrease relationship quality (Feeney & Fitzgerald, 2019), it seems reasonable that increased female relationship mindfulness may be associated with increased male relationship quality.…”

“…While relationship mindfulness can be connected to individual outcomes (e.g., anxiety and depression, Kimmes et al, 2020), associations with outcomes within the context of romantic relationships, such as conflict, have also been found (Morris et al, 2022). In men and women, increased relationship mindfulness has been linked with decreased negative relationship quality (Kimmes et al, 2020).…”