Effects of a Mindfulness Based Intervention on Psychological Distress and Romantic Relationships: Results of a Pilot Study
Loading...
Date
2016-04
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Various studies have demonstrated that mindfulness-based programs are related to positive psychological and physical outcomes. This pilot study was set out to investigate the relational and individual benefits of mindfulness training in well-functioning couples. In this randomized trial, we assigned 28 couples to the 10-week mindfulness training program intervention group (N=14 couples) or to a waitlist control group (N=14 couples). Relationship quality, relationship stress, and psychological distress were measured with standardized instruments. The results indicate the benefits of the meditation training. Couples in the treatment group showed significantly reduced psychological distress, somatization, hostility, psychoticism and paranoid ideation symptoms in comparison to couples who did not receive the intervention. The current pilot study provides preliminary support for reducing stress and enhancing psychological well-being in the sample of relatively well functioning couples. Despite encouraging findings, several limitations affect present study. Suggestions are given for future research based on better designed methodology and for future directions of investigation.