The Associations Between Trait Mindfulness, Relationship Efficacy and Interparental Relationship Quality for Couples Receiving Support Services: A Dyadic Data Analysis

ABSTRACT Guided by the vulnerability–stress–adaptation (VSA) model, the current study examines the associations between trait mindfulness, relationship efficacy, couple relationship quality and co‐parenting support for couples receiving support services (e.g., home visitation services and financial benefits). Using data collected from 415 heterosexual couples parenting at least one child under the age of 18 and receiving government benefits, we conducted an actor–partner interdependence structural equation model to examine the direct associations between trait mindfulness and couple relationship quality and co‐parenting support, as well as the indirect associations between these variables through each partner's reported relationship efficacy. Statistically significant associations between trait mindfulness and couple relationship quality and trait mindfulness and co‐parenting support were found for each partner (actor effects) through each partner's relationship efficacy. Further, partner effects were also found where both men's and women's relationship efficacy were significant mediators between their trait mindfulness and their partner's interparental relationship quality. Trait mindfulness may be an important adaptive process to improve relationship efficacy and thus couple relationship quality and co‐parenting support. Helping professionals may teach strategies to improve mindfulness to help vulnerable couples become more confident in their relationship and improve their interparental relationship quality.