Romantic relationship experiences and emotion regulation strategies of regular mindfulness meditation practitioners: A qualitative study

Abstract

Using attachment theory as the framework, this qualitative study focused on the romantic relationship experiences of regular mindfulness meditators and their meditation‐naïve or nonregularly meditating partners (NMPs). The sample consisted of eight heterosexual and two same‐sex couples. Thematic analysis (TA) yielded seven themes on three levels. Three intrapersonal themes were (a) meta‐awareness of one's emotional strategies; (b) shift in emotion regulation strategies; and (c) shift in relationship with oneself. The relationship‐level themes of meditators emerged as (d) experiential shift in stressful situations; (e) transformation of the emotional bond; and (f) transformation of the romantic relationship; the nonmeditating partners confirmed the relational and individual shifts due to their partner's practice. Integrating attachment theory with meditation practice can thus be a valuable approach for couple and family therapy. A regular meditation practice of even just one of the partners may be beneficial for the couple relationship.