Mindfulness and Sexual Mindfulness as Moderators Between Conflict Resolution and Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction.

Mindfulness has shown positive links with conflict resolution. Additionally, couples skilled in conflict resolution report greater sexual and relationship satisfaction. However, no research has examined the moderating effect of mindfulness, specifically sexual mindfulness, between conflict resolution and sexual and relationship satisfaction. We used 1,627 couples from wave III of the Couple Relationships and Transition Experiences (CREATE) study. Sexual mindfulness moderated the association between conflict resolution and sexual satisfaction, even after controlling for attachment. Wives higher in sexual mindful awareness may rely less on conflict resolution for their sexual satisfaction. Karremans and colleagues' (2017) model of mindfulness and romantic relationships provides a framework for testing whether, when, and how mindfulness increases positive romantic relationship processes and outcomes. Under this framework, mindfulness may provide a mechanism to help couples achieve sexual and relationship satisfaction. Mindfulness and sexual mindfulness may provide a useful mechanism for therapists, educators, social workers, and couples to enhance satisfaction within the romantic and sexual relationship even without partner buy-in.

An update of the Couple Adaptation to Traumatic Stress Model: Systematic research synthesis of the association between secondary trauma survivor functioning and couple functioning.

Systemic theories addressing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in couples postulate associations between primary trauma survivor functioning, secondary trauma survivor functioning, and couple functioning. However, there is a lack of examination of the association between secondary trauma survivor functioning and couple functioning, which has clinical implications. Objectives of this study include informing clinicians of the evidence base for these associations and providing a synthesized review of research on PTSD in couples to inform future research. A systematic research synthesis screening 150 articles from three databases resulted in the inclusion of 15 quantitative articles to examine the quality of the available research addressing the association between secondary trauma survivor functioning and couple functioning. Correlation matrices in all studies and other partial evidence supported the current theory positing the relevance of secondary traumatic stress in interpersonal functioning for couples. Discussion includes the need for increased quality and diversity of systemic trauma research and treatment for couples.