https://aub.ie/MilitaryREACH-Cox2020

Cox, C. C., Adler-Baeder, F., McGill, J., & Cooper, E. (2020). The influence of anxiety and mindfulness on relationship quality: An investigation of comparative and dyadic effects. Mindfulness, 11, 1956-1966. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-020-01404-8

Anxiety (i.e., being easily worried, nervous, or uneasy) has been linked with poor relationship quality (i.e., feeling pleased and happy with a relationship). Only recently have connections between mental health resources, such as mindfulness (i.e., being alert and observant of what is going on around someone) and relationship quality been explored. This longitudinal study collected data from 269 heterosexual couples and explored how one’s mental health (i.e., anxiety) and mental resources (i.e., trait mindfulness) were able to predict relationship quality six months later for both men and women in a couple relationship. Being mindful was a better predictor of relationship quality compared to anxiety. More specifically, higher levels of mindfulness for men and women were associated with their own reports of relationship quality six months later.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-020-01404-8

Couples
Mental health

Civilian

Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Aged (65 yrs & older)

Longitudinal Study

Cox, Carolyn Cape, Adler-Baeder, Francesca, McGill, Julianne, Cooper, Erin

Historically, research has evidenced robust links between psychopathology and relational health; however, only recently have similar associations been made between mindfulness and relationship quality. The current study serves to advance understandings of how anxiety and trait mindfulness influence relationship quality over time.MethodsUsing an actor-partner interdependence model in an ethnically and economically varied sample of 269 heterosexual couples (N = 538), we examined the relative predictability of anxiety and mindfulness on both self- and partner-reports of relationship quality 6 months later.ResultsResults indicate that men’s and women’s own level of trait mindfulness at baseline were significantly related to their relationship quality 6 months later. Women’s level of trait mindfulness was approaching significance in predicting their partners’ relationship quality 6 months later. Anxiety (for both men and women) did not uniquely predict their own or their partner’s relationship quality 6 months later, accounting for one’s own and partner’s mindfulness.ConclusionsFindings are consistent with family stress theory and suggest that mindfulness may be a family resource promoting successful intimate partnerships, and further that the relational benefits of mindfulness may outweigh the damaging effects of anxiety. Suggestions are made for future research. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)

Springer

Article
REACH Publication

Auburn University, CCC
Auburn University, FAB
Auburn University, JM
Auburn University, EC