Relating from the past or the Present: Relationship Mindfulness as a Mediator Linking Childhood Maltreatment to Adult Relationship Quality

Childhood maltreatment can leave adults vulnerable to relationship problems. Relationship mindfulness has been shown to promote relational wellbeing increasing the positive relationship quality and decrease negative relationship and may be a mediator. Using a sample of 106 adults, results of the structural equation modeling indicate that the indirect (mediated) effects from childhood maltreatment to both positive and negative relationship quality through relationship mindfulness were significant. Direct effects from maltreatment to positive and negative relationship quality were both non-significant. Based on the results of the study, clinicians are encouraged to use couple-based mindfulness interventions among adults with a history of maltreatment.