Cited by 247Mindfulness and Compassion InterventionsAttachment and Relationship DynamicsForgiveness and Related Behaviors

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Bridging the Sciences of Mindfulness and Romantic Relationships: A Theoretical Model and Research Agenda

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Karremans, Johan C., Schellekens, Melanie P. J., Kappen, Gesa·2017·Personality and Social Psychology Review

DOI 10.1177/1088868315615450

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Abstract

Research on mindfulness, defined as paying conscious and non-judgmental attention to present-moment experiences, has increased rapidly in the past decade but has focused almost entirely on the benefits of mindfulness for individual well-being. This article considers the role of mindfulness in romantic relationships. Although strong claims have been made about the potentially powerful role of mindfulness in creating better relationships, it is less clear whether, when, and how this may occur. This article integrates the literatures on mindfulness and romantic relationship science, and sketches a theory-driven model and future research agenda to test possible pathways of when and how mindfulness may affect romantic relationship functioning. We review some initial direct and indirect evidence relevant to the proposed model. Finally, we discuss the implications of how studying mindfulness may further our understanding of romantic relationship (dys)functioning, and how mindfulness may be a promising and effective tool in couple interventions.

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Authors: Karremans, J. C., Schellekens, M. P. J., & Kappen, G.
Affiliations: Radboud University Nijmegen (NL)
Radboud University Medical Center (NL)
Corresponding author: Karremans, Johan C.
ORCID: Karremans, Johan C.
Schellekens, Melanie P. J.
Kappen, Gesa
Venue: Personality and Social Psychology Review
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Published: 2016-06-23
Volume: 21
Issue: 1
Pages: 29-49
ISSN: 1088-8683 (ISSN-L)
1532-7957
DOI: 10.1177/1088868315615450
OpenAlex: W2321046344
Cited by: 247
References: 173
Citations by year: 2026: 23 · 2025: 38 · 2024: 27 · 2023: 27 · 2022: 31 · 2021: 23 · 2020: 27 · 2019: 15 · 2018: 16 · 2017: 12 · 2016: 8
FWCI: 14.89
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: green
hdl.handle.net
Licence: journals.sagepub.com/page/policies/text-and-data-mining-license (tdm)
Locations: Personality and Social Psychology Review (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Radboud Repository (Radboud University) (submittedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Attachment and Relationship Dynamics
Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Forgiveness and Related Behaviors
Keywords: mindfulness, romantic relationships, couple functioning, relationship dysfunction, couple-based interventions, relational well-being
MeSH terms: Attention, Consciousness, Humans, Interpersonal Relations, Love, Mindfulness

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Bridging the Sciences of Mindfulness and Romantic Relationships: A Theoretical Model and Research Agenda

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