Mindfulness in Relationships: Eight-Week Mindfulness Intervention Associated with Decreased Negative Emotion and Increased Nonreactivity in Non-meditating Romantic Partners

Abstract Objectives Mindfulness meditation is widely recognized for its individual psychological benefits, yet its interpersonal effects remain underexplored. This daily diary study examined whether and how mindfulness practice by one romantic partner influences the emotional well-being of their non-meditating partner. Method Using a randomized controlled design, couples were assigned to either an 8-week mindfulness-based course condition (MBCC) or an active control—a positive psychology course condition (PPCC)—with only one partner participating in the intervention. Results Results from 32 MBCC couples and 27 PPCC couples indicated that course participants and their partners in the MBCC exhibited reductions in negative emotion over time. In addition, MBCC partners showed a significant increase in the mindfulness facet of nonreactivity, which was not observed in partners in the PPCC. Further analysis revealed that MBCC partners’ negative emotion was predicted by the previous day nonreactivity of their course-participating partners. Conclusions These results highlight that nonreactivity may both be an important interpersonal outcome and mechanism of meditation interventions. Future research is needed to better understand the precise role of nonreactivity in relationships.