Racially and economically diverse participants' change in couple‐focused mindfulness following participation in couple relationship education

ABSTRACT Objective This study evaluated ELEVATE, an evidence‐based couple relationship education (CRE) program, to explore whether general CRE programs with brief mindfulness components would enhance couple‐focused mindfulness and relationship functioning over time. Background Although mindfulness has been suggested as a significant contributor to relationship functioning and several mindfulness‐based CRE programs have been developed and shown their effectiveness, no research has explored whether general CRE programs with limited mindfulness integration would produce similar benefits. Method Data were from 2,580 individuals in couple relationships. Assessments occurred at baseline, immediately after the program, and at a 1‐year follow‐up. Measures included eight dimensions of couple‐focused mindfulness (i.e., nonjudging, patience, beginner's mind, trust, nonstriving, acceptance, letting go, and noticing), relationship quality, and relationship skills. Results Results revealed significant immediate postprogram increases across all relational mindfulness dimensions and the overall couple mindfulness. Significant effects were sustained for all except trust of self at 1‐year follow‐up. Additionally, immediate gains in couple mindfulness significantly predicted long‐term improvements in relationship quality and skills over a year. Conclusion Even limited mindfulness integration in CRE may promote couple mindfulness to further foster relationship functioning. Implications Practitioners may consider embedding brief mindfulness practices into general CRE programs to support long‐term healthy relationship development.