THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MINDFULNESS AND PERCEIVED RESPONSIVENESS TO CAPITALIZATION ATTEMPTS

When romantic relationship partners perceive that their partners typically respond actively and constructively (and not passively or destructively) to their sharing of good news (i.e., capitalization attempts), they experience a number of benefits, including enhanced relationship well-being (e.g., Gable, Gonzaga, & Strachman, 2006). Yet, research on individual difference variables that may promote active-constructive responses to capitalization attempts is limited. Further, no study has examined the role of trait mindfulness (i.e., present moment non-judgmental awareness) and relationship goals on a partner’s responsiveness, or perceived responsiveness, to his/her partner’s capitalization attempts. Therefore, this study examined whether more mindful partners are perceived by their partners as providing more active and constructive responses to capitalization attempts than less mindful partners. Moreover, this study examined if higher trait mindfulness is associated with more compassionate and less self-image goals, which in turn predict more active-constructive responses to a partner’s capitalization attempts, as assessed by the partner. The study involved both members of a married couple (N=100 couples) independently completing a 15 minute online survey, which included questionnaires assessing trait mindfulness, relationship goals in the context of the relationship, and the perception of one’s partner’s typical responsiveness to capitalization attempts. Results revealed that trait mindfulness predicted partners’ perceptions of responsiveness to capitalization attempts and that this association was mediated by relationship goals. These findings contribute to the dearth of research on factors that may promote responsiveness, or perceived responsiveness, to capitalization attempts, while expanding research on mindfulness and relationship goals in the area of romantic relationships.