Dissertation
The relational effects of mindfulness training: a phenomenological study
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Feb 2013
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-6133
Abstract
Using General Systems Theory (Bertalanffy, 1968) and Phenomenology (Husserl, 1913/1931), this qualitative phenomenological study examined the relational effects of mindfulness training when one partner completed an 8-week, hospital based Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program (MBSR, Kabat-Zinn, 1990) within the last 6 months. In a sample of 12 couples, in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with: a) recent MBSR graduates, b) their intimate partners, and c) both members of the couple together. The recent MBSR graduates were novel meditators who had limited previous mindfulness experience before taking the MBSR training and included 7 female and 6 male MBSR graduates. Ten heterosexual couples and 2 same sex couples participated in the study, and the average relationship length was 14.5 years. Over 95% of the participants were White, and 62.5% had graduate degrees. Before the interviews, all couples completed the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (Busby et al., 1995), which indicated that 6 out of 12 couples were relationally distressed. A modified version of the interpretative phenomenological analysis method (Smith et al., 2009) informed the data analysis. The following major themes emerged for the MBSR graduates: 1) awareness of emotional reactivity; 2) creating space and time; 3) making different choices; and 4) humility and moments of connection. Findings confirmed that self-awareness and emotional regulation are not only major outcomes of mindfulness training, but could also be pathways to relationship growth. The intensity and reactivity of intimate partner relationships can offer both opportunities and challenges for MBSR participants trying to integrate mindfulness into their daily lives. Although intimate partners observed improved emotional balance in the graduates, their descriptions of the benefits of MBSR training were diluted compared to the graduates' descriptions. The intimate partners revealed that behavioral shifts in the graduates were emerging, but were limited in scale-suggesting that individual outcomes of MBSR training do not automatically transfer to relationship outcomes. Developing more mindfulness-enhanced couple interventions that prioritize conjoint participation and emphasize relational outcomes may harness the potential relational benefits of mindfulness practice. Future research should focus on the potential differences between distressed and non-distressed couples and include more diverse samples of couples.
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Details
- Title
- The relational effects of mindfulness training
- Creators
- Bob Gillespie - DU
- Contributors
- Kimberly Flemke (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)Maureen P. Davey (Advisor) - DU
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Counseling and Family Therapy; College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 6133; 991014632264204721