An integrative and rigorous test of the effects of mindfulness intervention in distressed romantic couples

The functioning and well-being of a romantic relationship is one of the strongest (and one of the most underestimated) predictors of individual well-being and health. With?the prevalence of couple distress in Western countries?on the rise, divorce rates increasing, and aggression and violence in couples?peaking?since COVID-19 times, there is an?urgent need?for?a deeper understanding?of couple distress, couple dynamics,?and effective?interventions. This research is not just important; it's timely and necessary.

In?this groundbreaking?project, we will?investigate the potential of?a mindfulness-based intervention for distressed couples in reducing relationship distress. While?there?have been?claims?about the?benefits?of mindfulness?for?romantic couples,?our study?will be the first large-scale,?rigorous test of these?claims. In a multi-site randomised controlled trial, we will?compare?the effects of a mindfulness-based?intervention with an?active control intervention on relationship outcomes, using subjective?and?objective indicators of relationship distress and well-being.?The?unique and?thrilling?aspect of?our?project is co-creating the?interventions with a prominent mindfulness sceptic, using agreed-upon criteria?to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness.

This project, granted within the NWO open competition L, is a testament to the power of collaboration. It brings together?the Behavioural Science Institute,?the RadboudUMC Expertise Centre for Mindfulness, and 5 mindfulness?centres?across the Netherlands.?The project team, led by?@Johan Karremans and Anne Speckens ,?includes?2 PhD students, some research assistants, a team of certified mindfulness trainers, Miguel Farias from Coventry University as?an?adversarial collaborator, and Bill Burk as?a?statistical advisor.?A shared goal unites this diverse and dedicated team: to advance our understanding of couple distress and the potential of mindfulness-based interventions.