Master's Theses

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    Romantic relationship experiences and emotion regulation strategies of regular mindfulness meditation practitioners: A qualitative study
    (2019-12) Erkan, Itır; Saydam, Fehime Senem Zeytinoğlu; Saydam, Fehime Senem Zeytinoğlu; Kafesçioğlu, Nilüfer; Sideris, A. Ç.; Department of Psychology; Erkan, Itır
    Using attachment theory as the framework, this qualitative study focused on the experiences of the emotion regulation strategies and romantic relationships of regular mindfulness meditators with at least two years of practice and their meditation-naïve or non-regularly meditating partners. The Turkish mother-tongue sample consisted of 8 heterosexual and 2 same-sex couples. Semi-structured interviews were held separately with each partner. Thematic analysis yielded 7 themes and 13 subthemes on three levels: intrapersonal, relationship, and the perspective of the non-regularly meditating partners. Three intrapersonal themes (numbers) and four related subthemes (letters) were revealed: 1) meta-awareness; 1a) impermanence of emotions; 2) shift in emotion regulation capacities; 2a) decreased intensity of emotions; 2b) staying with negative emotions; 3) shift in the relationship with oneself; 3a) self-compassion. Three relationship themes and seven subthemes emerged: 4) experiential shift in stressful situations; 4a) less negative reactivity; 4b) fewer conflicts; 5) transformation of the emotional bond; 5a) self-disclosure of emotions; 5b) decreased anxiety about the relationship; 6) transformation of the romantic relationship; 6a) being present during sex; 6b) compassion and acceptance for the partner; 6c) re-defining of boundaries. One theme and two subthemes emerged from the non-regularly meditating partner's data: 7) general positive effects of regular practice; 7a) observing the peaceful mood of the partner; 7b) observing less negative reactivity of the partner. These intrapersonal themes indicated the importance for the regularly meditating partner of meta-awareness and enhanced emotion regulation and self-compassion. These were reflected in the romantic relationship as less reactivity, less anxiety, more self-disclosure, and enhanced compassion and acceptance for the partner, which attachment theory would associate with a more secure relationship. The partners of the regular meditators confirmed the relational and individual shifts due to their partner's regular mindfulness practice. Integrating attachment theory with regular mindfulness practice can thus be a valuable approach for couple and family therapy. Regular mindfulness practice, even for one partner, may also be beneficial during couple therapy. Future research can focus on the effects of mindfulness practice on specific periods or situations in romantic relationships. It can also investigate the relationship between the unique emotion regulation strategies promoted by regular mindfulness meditation and potential shifts in the attachment styles of both partners.