Romantic relationship experiences and emotion regulation strategies of regular mindfulness meditation practitioners: A qualitative study

Abstract

Using attachment theory as the framework, this qualitative study focused on the romantic relationship experiences of regular mindfulness meditators and their meditation-naïve or nonregularly meditating partners (NMPs). The sample consisted of eight heterosexual and two same-sex couples. Thematic analysis (TA) yielded seven themes on three levels. Three intrapersonal themes were (a) meta-awareness of one's emotional strategies; (b) shift in emotion regulation strategies; and (c) shift in relationship with oneself. The relationship-level themes of meditators emerged as (d) experiential shift in stressful situations; (e) transformation of the emotional bond; and (f) transformation of the romantic relationship; the nonmeditating partners confirmed the relational and individual shifts due to their partner's practice.Integrating attachment theory with meditation practice can thus be a valuable approach for couple and family therapy.A regular meditation practice of even just one of the partners may be beneficial for the couple relationship.

A strong relationality view of mindfulness and flourishing I–Thou relations: A dyadic analysis.

“…Research on the role of mindfulness and couple relationships has demonstrated that mindfulness is associated with more pro-relationship behaviors, relationship satisfaction, and relationship quality. Indeed, our findings are consistent with prior findings noting the role of mindfulness in promoting couple dynamics and increased relationship quality (Adair et al, 2018; Erkan et al, 2021; Karremans et al, 2017; McGill & Adler-Baeder, 2020; McGill et al, 2016, 2020; Pepping & Halford, 2016). Yet, this body of research has scarcely incorporated strongly relational theories to outline the importance of mindfulness for couple relationships, has mostly been conducted at the individual level, and has often used narrow conceptualizations of relationship quality (Harvey et al, 2019).…”

“…When stressed, trait mindfulness coupled with positive couple behaviors significantly enhanced partners’ relationship quality (McGill & Adler-Baeder, 2020). When a partner engaged in regular meditation practice, both partners reported intrapersonal and interpersonal shifts in individual and couple relationship quality (Erkan et al, 2021). Furthermore, awareness, curiosity, and regulation of feelings were linked to addressing and coping better with negative emotions, increased self-compassion, strengthened emotional and physical intimacy, and partners’ empathetic responses, especially during stressful times (Erkan et al, 2021).…”

“…When a partner engaged in regular meditation practice, both partners reported intrapersonal and interpersonal shifts in individual and couple relationship quality (Erkan et al, 2021). Furthermore, awareness, curiosity, and regulation of feelings were linked to addressing and coping better with negative emotions, increased self-compassion, strengthened emotional and physical intimacy, and partners’ empathetic responses, especially during stressful times (Erkan et al, 2021). These results highlight the role of mindfulness for relationships and the significance of including interventions aimed at enhancing mindful, relational awareness, and ethical responses when working with distressed couples.…”

The Effectiveness of Hypnotherapy and Schema Therapy in Improving Emotional Control in People Affected by Marital Infidelity

“…A couple has the best performance when their emotional arousal is at a balanced and optimal level (16). Accordingly, emotion regulation in the context of marital relations is a reciprocal and mutual process, studying which requires attention to the emotions and behaviors of both spouses and their influence on the other (17).…”