Skip to main content

Using Mindfulness with Couples: Theory and Practice

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Cognitive and Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy with Couples

Abstract

Mindfulness, with its basis in religious and philosophical traditions, has had an impact on the practice of psychology in recent years. This was due largely to the pioneering work of Jon Kabat-Zinn. Research has shown that mindfulness practice can benefit individuals suffering a range of physical and psychological problems. In addition, it has been incorporated into a number of cognitive behavioral approaches including Dialectic Behavior therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Metacognitive Therapy. In the last decade mindfulness has been shown to be efficacious in enhancing the relationship of couples. After reviewing the research in the area, this chapter gives examples of practical mindfulness techniques that can be used with couples.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Baer, R. A. (2003). Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10(2), 125–143.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barnes, S., Brown, K. W., Krusemark, E., Campbell, W. K., & Rogge, R. D. (2007). The role of mindfulness in romantic relationship satisfaction and responses to relationship stress. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 33(4), 482–500.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bohlmeijer, E., Prenger, R., Taal, E., & Cuijpers, P. (2010). The effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy on mental health of adults with a chronic medical disease: A meta-analysis. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 68(6), 539–544.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, K. W., & Ryan, R. M. (2003). The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(4), 822–848.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, K. W., Ryan, R. M., & Creswell, J. D. (2007). Mindfulness: Theoretical foundations and evidence for its salutary effects. Psychological Inquiry, 18(4), 211–237.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burpee, L. C., & Langer, E. J. (2005). Mindfulness and marital satisfaction. Journal of Adult Development, 12(1), 43–51.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carmody, J., Baer, R. A., Lykins, E. L. B., & Olendzki, N. (2009). An empirical study of the mechanisms of mindfulness in a mindfulness-based stress reduction program. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 65(6), 613–626.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Carson, J. W., Carson, K. M., Gil, K. M., & Baucom, D. H. (2004). Mindfulness-based relationship enhancement. Behavior Therapy, 35(3), 471–494.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carson, J. W., Carson, K. M., Gil, K. M., & Baucom, D. H. (2006). Mindfulness-based relationship enhancement (MBRE) in couples. In R. A. Baer (Ed.), Mindfulness-based treatment approaches: clinician’s guide to evidence base and applications. San Diego: Academic.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carson, J. W., Carson, K. M., Gil, K. M., & Baucom, D. H. (2007). Self-expansion as a mediator of relationship improvements in a mindfulness intervention. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 33(4), 517–528.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chiesa, A., & Serretti, A. (2009). Mindfulness-based stress reduction for stress management in healthy people: A review and meta-analysis. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 15(5), 593–600.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Creswell, J. D., Way, B. M., Eisenberger, N. I., & Lieberman, M. D. (2007). Neural correlates of dispositional mindfulness during affect labeling. Psychosomatic Medicine, 69(6), 560–565.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Grossman, P., Niemann, L., Schmidt, S., & Walach, H. (2004). Mindfulness-based stress reduction and health benefits: A meta-analysis. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 57(1), 35–43.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Halford, W., Sanders, M. R., & Behrens, B. C. (1994). Self-regulation in behavioral couples’ therapy. Behavior Therapy, 25(3), 431–452.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (1999). Accetpance and commitment therapy: an experiential approach to behavior change. New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heppner, W. L., Kernis, M. H., Lakey, C. E., Campbell, W. K., Goldman, B. M., Davis, P. J., et al. (2008). Mindfulness as a means of reducing aggressive behavior: Dispositional and situational evidence. Aggressive Behavior, 34(5), 486–496.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hofmann, S. G., Sawyer, A. T., Witt, A. A., & Oh, D. (2010). The effect of mindfulness-based therapy on anxiety and depression: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 78(2), 169–183.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jones, K. C., Welton, S. R., Oliver, T. C., & Thoburn, J. W. (2011). Mindfulness, spousal attachment, and marital satisfaction: A mediated model. The Family Journal, 19(4), 357–361.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kabat-Zinn, J. (1982). An outpatient program in behavioral medicine for chronic pain patients based on the practice of mindfulness meditation: Theoretical considerations and preliminary results. General Hospital Psychiatry, 4(1), 33–47.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kabat-Zinn, J. (1994). Wherever you go, there you are. New York: Hyperion.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kabat-Zinn, J. (2009). Full catastrophe living: Using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain, and illness (15th anniversary ed.) (15th ed.). New York, NY: Delta Trade Paperback/Bantam Dell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Karney, B. R., & Bradbury, T. N. (1995). The longitudinal course of marital quality and stability: A review of theory methods and research. Psychological Bulletin, 118, 3–34.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Langer, E. (2009). Mindfulness versus positive evaluation. In S. J. Lopez & C. R. Snyder (Eds.), Oxford handbook of positive psychology (2nd ed., pp. 279–293). New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Linehan, M. M. (1993). Skills training for treating borderline personality disorder. New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ochsner, K. N., Bunge, S. A., Gross, J. J., & Gabrieli, J. D. E. (2002). Rethinking feelings: An fMRI study of the cognitive regulation of emotion. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 14(8), 1215–1229.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rathus, J. H., Cavuoto, N., & Passarelli, V. (2006). Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): A mindfulness-based treatment for intimate partner violence. In R. A. Baer (Ed.), Mindfulness-based treatment approaches: Clinician’s guide to evidence and applications. San Diego: Academic.

    Google Scholar 

  • Saavedra, M. C., Chapman, K. E., & Rogge, R. D. (2010). Clarifying links between attachment and relationship quality: Hostile conflict and mindfulness as moderators. Journal of Family Psychology, 24(4), 380–390.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Segal, Z. V., Williams, J. M. G., & Teasdale, J. D. (2002). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression: A new approach to preventing relapse. New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shapiro, S. L., & Carlson, L. E. (2009). What is mindfulness? In S. L. Shapiro & L. E. Carlson (Eds.), The art and science of mindfulness: Integrating mindfulness into psychology and the helping professions (pp. 3–14). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Shapiro, S. L., Oman, D., Thoresen, C. E., Plante, T. G., & Flinders, T. (2008). Cultivating mindfulness: Effects on well-being. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 64(7), 840–862.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tanner, M. A., Travis, F., Gaylord-King, C., Haaga, D. A. F., Grosswald, S., & Schneider, R. H. (2009). The effects of the transcendental mediation program on mindfulness. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 65(6), 574–589.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wachs, K., & Cordova, J. V. (2007). Mindful relating: Exploring mindfulness and emotion repertoires in intimate relationships. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 33(4), 464–481.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wells, A. (2009). Metacognitive therapy for depression and anxiety. New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Monica O’Kelly Ph.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

O’Kelly, M., Collard, J. (2012). Using Mindfulness with Couples: Theory and Practice. In: Vernon, A. (eds) Cognitive and Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy with Couples. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-5137-2_2

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics