Mindful partnering: Does this novel theoretical construct predict reduced stress, mental and physical health, as well as mortality risk?

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Project Summary/Abstract Poor quality interpersonal relationships are a robust predictor of mental and physical health problems, as well as mortality. This linkage is due in part to the physiological stress dysregulation and associated wear and tear on the body caused by such stressful interpersonal relationships, and also the transmission of physiological stress states from partner-to-partner. Previously identified predictors of relational and thus physical and mental health lack a unifying concept to synthesize them, and often are not modifiable. Research suggests that stress, mortality risk, and health problems can be reduced through intrapersonal mindfulness (i.e., present-focused, nonjudgmental awareness of the internal and external environment). In addition, broadly, interpersonal mind- fulness refers to a manner of being aware of others with focused attention and compassion, and is associated with high quality relationships. Mindful partnering, a way of connecting with one’s partner with full attention, compassion for self/other, acceptance/nonjudgement, and emotional awareness/self-regulation in the relation- ship, is a theoretical framework that the authors have developed. The purpose of this project is to examine the extent to which mindful partnering predicts stress as well as physical/mental health. The specific aims of the project are to investigate the extent to which lower levels of mindful partnering are associated with lesser: (1) stress symptoms as well as physiological stress reactivity and co-escalation during marital conflict, (2) symp- toms of anxiety and depression, and (3) negative physical health and mortality risk. Aims 1 and 2 will be tested in a sample from a larger ongoing study in which couples will complete surveys measuring mindful partnering and stress symptoms and be video-recorded during a conflict discussion while their physiology (heart rate and respiration, to assess respiratory sinus arrhythmia) is measured. Videos will later be coded for mindful partner- ing. Aim 3 will be tested in a sample from a parent study in which couples will complete questionnaires meas- uring mindful partnering and overall health (self and partner) as well as send in saliva samples (later assayed for telomere length, an indicator of cellular aging and mortality risk). My long term goals include a) examining the associations among intimate relationships and stress as well as mental/physical health, b) identifying the benefits of mindful partnering, and c) developing the skills in order to become an independent researcher equipped to develop and test a mindful partnering couples therapy. If this project supports the potential mental and physical benefits of mindful partnering, it will further the mission of NCCIH of identifying a modifiable mechanism (i.e., mindful partnering) that may prevent stress, anxiety, and other symptoms in addition to pro- moting physical health and longevity.