A Scoping Review of Relationship-Specific Mindfulness and Factors Influencing Psychological and Relational Well-Being in Intimate Partner Relationships

This scoping review systematically examines the emerging empirical evidence on relationship-specific mindfulness (RSM) and its impact on psychological and relational well-being. Following the scoping review framework of Arksey and O'Malley and the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search of PsycNet, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was conducted for peer-reviewed studies published between 2013 and 2023. Inclusion criteria focused on studies that conceptualized and empirically examined RSM in relation to intimate partner relationships. Twelve articles comprising 13 studies and 4002 participants met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were cross-sectional and conducted in the Global North. The analysis revealed conceptual diversity, with constructs such as relationship mindfulness, interpersonal mindfulness, and mindfulness in couple relationships defined in varied ways across studies. Key themes included psychosocial dispositions (such as attachment orientation, empathy, and partner responsiveness), emotion-related factors (including stress, depression, and anxiety), and relational outcomes (namely relationship satisfaction and sexual quality). However, mixed patterns regarding RSM's effects on the subthemes highlight the need for further investigation. Finally, this review proposes a Dyadic Relational Mindfulness Model to guide future research and develop interventions.