Changing the blame game

Associations between relationship mindfulness, loneliness, negative partner attributions, and subsequent conflict

Datos Bibliográficos

ID2927342
AutoresKatherine L Morris (0000-0002-9295-245X, Florida State University, autor de correspondencia), Jonathan G Kimmes (0000-0002-0201-4671, Florida State University), Crystal G Marroquin (0000-0003-0174-1962, Florida State University)
Año2023
Volumen40
Número5
Páginas1354-1367
Fecha de publicación2023-05-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaJournal of Social and Personal Relationships (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0265-4075 • E-ISSN: 1460-3608
EditorialSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/02654075221128502
OpenAlexW4296297423
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas7
Referencias citadas23

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

Association (psychology · Attribution · Developmental psychology · Loneliness · Mindfulness · Psychological intervention · Psychotherapist · Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Clinical Psychology · Psychology · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology · Social Psychology