Exploring the Link between Mindfulness and Relationship Quality: Direct and Indirect Pathways.

This study serves to advance the empirical research on predictors of relationship quality by considering the role of trait mindfulness in combination with measures of stress and positive relationship behaviors among a diverse sample of men and women in couple relationships. Multi-group structural equation models tested both direct links and indirect pathways and found stronger evidence for an additive model of trait mindfulness, perceived stress, and positive couple behaviors uniquely associated with men's and women's reports of relationship quality. Furthermore, positive relationship behaviors are comparatively the most closely linked with relationship quality for both men and women in our sample. As more clinicians are incorporating mindfulness training with clients, these types of explorations can serve to inform practices on relative value of intervention strategies and possible pathways for enhancing couple relationship quality.