Date of Award

8-2013

Level of Access Assigned by Author

Campus-Only Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Human Development

Advisor

Robert Milardo

Second Committee Member

Renate Klein

Third Committee Member

Lynne Gardner

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to provide support for the hypothesis that mindfulness enhances romantic relationship satisfaction. Mindfulness, originally intended for individual practice, is gaining increasing interest by social scientists who have begun to explore the ways in which couples can benefit from practicing mindfulness as a shared self-expanding experience. Supporting literature suggests that practicing mindfulness enhances present moment awareness, which in-turn fosters skills involved in the creation and maintenance of healthy relationships. Data collected through an internet-based survey measures the relationship between relationship quality, mindfulness, emotional skillfulness and empathic awareness. The final sample included 94 participants. Results indicated that mindfulness is a predictor of relationship quality.

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