11/01/2016
Khaddouma, Gordon, and Bolden (2015) examined the links between trait , differentiation of self, and relationship satisfaction in dating relationships. Participants completed surveys of trait mindfulness, differentiation of self (as measured by its 4 subcomponents: fusion with others, emotional cutoff, emotional reactivity, and I position), and satisfaction. Results indicated that overall differentiation of self and, more specifically, 2 of its subcomponents (I position and fusion with others) mediated the link between mindfulness and relationship satisfaction. In contrast, the 2 remaining subcomponents of differentiation of self (emotional reactivity and emotional cutoff) did not mediate or moderate the association between mindfulness and relationship satisfaction. These results suggest that mindful attunement to one’s partner may promote greater relationship satisfaction by fostering the ability to maintain a clearly defined sense of self even in the wake of stressful situations. Such attunement may also promote the ability to successfully navigate relational demands without becoming overwhelmed by or overly fused with one’s partner. To read this article, see: http://on.apa.org/1OmET1u.
