Self-expansion as a mediator of relationship improvements in a mindfulness intervention.
In a recent randomized controlled trial, couples participating in a mindfulness-based relationship enhancement program demonstrated significant improvements in relationship satisfaction and relationship distress (Carson, Carson, Gil, & Baucom, 2004). Here we report on a multiple mediation analysis of these couples' improvements. Potential mediators included measures of couples' engagement in exciting self-expanding activities, couples' ability to accept one another's difficult characteristics, and individual partners' ability to relax. Results indicate that to a large extent, the mindfulness-related relationship improvements can be attributed to partners' sense that they were participating in exciting self-expanding activities together during the course of the intervention. The implications of these findings for future mindfulness research are discussed.
Carson
James W
JW
Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27708, USA. jim.carson@duke.edu
Carson
Kimberly M
KM
Gil
Karen M
KM
Baucom
Donald H
DH
D000328:Adult; D003243:Consciousness; D004645:Empathy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008388:Marital Therapy / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology*; D019222:Mind-Body Relations, Metaphysical; D011788:Quality of Life; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012649:Self Concept; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology*