Can brief mindfulness instruction and practice embedded in RE programs enhance relationship outcomes?

The Bottom-line at the Top: A recent study investigated whether brief instruction on relationship mindfulness – mindfulness practices specifically focused on awareness in the relationship – integrated into a larger couple relationship education program could improve relationship mindfulness and enhance program outcomes. They found improvements in relationship mindfulness at the end of the ELEVATE program 6-12 months later for this sample of mostly economically stressed couples. And importantly, they found that improvements in relationship mindfulness at the end of the program predicted greater positive change in relationship quality and skills down the road. (Bonus finding: there were no differences in outcomes between participants who met weekly for six weeks versus those who met monthly for six months.) 

Citation: McGill, J., Wang, Z., & Adler-Baeder. (2025). Racially and economically diverse participants’ change in couple-focused mindfulness following participation in couple relationship education. Family Relations. https://doi.org/10.1111/fare.70143 

Study Set-up

● Some couple and relationship education (CRE) programs have been fully designed around mindfulness principles and practices, and some research has demonstrated their effectiveness in improving mindfulness and couple relationship quality. 

● But can just brief instruction on mindfulness in relationships – rather than a full curriculum focused on mindfulness – enhance mindfulness and other outcomes for couples? Afterall, there are many effective CRE programs out there already. Could these programs be enhanced with brief attention to mindfulness principles and practices in the curriculum? 

● And . . . if so, are any improvements in relationship mindfulness linked to better relationship outcomes down the road? 

● And . . . because this study’s sample is composed of diverse, lower income couples, who likely experience more daily stresses in their lives, could this be an effective strategy to gain these relationship benefits? Or do these stresses just overwhelm mindfulness practices? 

Brief Note on Study Methods 

● The sample was 2,580 individuals in committed couple relationships (62% married) living in a southern state. About 60% were non-White. Almost two-thirds were economically stressed. 

● After voluntary enrollment, participants received 12 hours of face-to-face instruction in the ELEVATE program. Half were randomly assigned to receive 2 hours of instruction each week for 6 weeks. The other half received 2 hours of instruction each month for 6 months. (The monthly group also got booster e-mails on the off weeks to enhance retention of the previous session.) 

Key Findings 

● There were significant and meaningful increases in couple relationship mindfulness at the end of participation in the ELEVATE program. (Mindfulness was measured as: nonjudging, patience, trust of self, non-striving, acceptance, letting go, and noticing.) 

● These positive effects were sustained when researchers followed-up 6-12 months later (although they were typically a little weaker). 

● Gains in couple relationship mindfulness at the end of the ELEVATE program significantly predicted improvement in relationship quality and relationship skills 6-12 months later. (Relationship skills included: conflict management, intentionality, intimate knowledge of partner, caring behaviors, engaging support networks, and self-care.) 

● Bonus finding: In separate analyses (reported here), there were no significant differences between couples who received weekly instruction over six weeks and those who received monthly instruction over six months. 

Implications for the RE Field 

● Can brief instruction on mindfulness be effective? Yes, a curriculum fully focused on mindfulness is not required to get some benefits of mindfulness instruction for couples. Brief mindfulness instruction – and mindfulness practices infused across the curriculum – can produce positive benefits in relationship mindfulness and enhance relationship quality and skills. Existing CRE program developers and instructors could straightforwardly integrate some mindfulness-oriented practices into their programs at

appropriate points rather than do a major revision of the curriculum. (Some CRE programs are already doing this.) 

● Can relationship mindfulness practices help economically stressed couples too? Or do these couples’ more stressed lives just overwhelm attempts at mindfulness? In this sample of racially and economically diverse couples, the evidence indicates, yes, they can benefit. In fact, given the greater day-to-day stresses these couples experience, mindfulness practices might be even more beneficial for them. (This published article did not compare improvement between more and less economically stressed couples.) 

● Bonus Implication: Which is better: a weekly instructional format or a monthly format? Participants appear to benefit equally in both formats. This study is the first to compare the effectiveness of weekly instruction to monthly instruction and it found no differences. So, this supports giving program administrators greater flexibility in scheduling program sessions. For couples whose schedules make weekly sessions difficult, program administrators could explore offering monthly sessions, which may allow for more time to practice skills between sessions. (Facilitators should have weekly reminder texts or emails during the off weeks to boost retention.)  

Last Word: Integrate brief mindfulness instruction and practice exercises into your CRE program to enhance couple outcomes.