Investigating the effectiveness of relationship-focused mindfulness intervention on perceived stress and quality of couple interactions in couples with communication problems

Nezakat, Pooneh; Ghadami, Negin; Houshmand, Fatemeh; Atshani Kouchesfahani , Armaghan; Kheradiyar, Samaneh

Volume 19, Issue 1 (Volume 19, Issue 1, Spring 2025) 2025, 19(1): 0-0 | Back to browse issues page

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Nezakat P, Ghadami N, Houshmand F, Atshani Kouchesfahani A, Kheradiyar S. Investigating the effectiveness of relationship-focused mindfulness intervention on perceived stress and quality of couple interactions in couples with communication problems. Research in psychological health 2025; 19 (1)
URL: http://rph.khu.ac.ir/article-1-4725-en.html

Investigating the effectiveness of relationship-focused mindfulness intervention on perceived stress and quality of couple interactions in couples with communication problems

Pooneh Nezakat

, Negin Ghadami

, Fatemeh Houshmand

, Armaghan Atshani Kouchesfahani

, Samaneh Kheradiyar¹

1- , kh1985samaneh@gmail.com

Abstract: (956 Views)

The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a relationship-based mindfulness intervention on perceived stress and the quality of marital interactions among couples experiencing communication problems. This research employed a quasi-experimental design with pretest–posttest, control group, and short-term follow-up. The study population consisted of couples seeking family counseling services in Tehran in 2025, with 30 couples selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Instruments included the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, the Marital Interaction Quality Questionnaire, and a demographic information form. The intervention consisted of eight sessions focused on mindfulness skills applied in relational contexts, including present-moment awareness, mindful listening, conflict management, and empathy cultivation. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and post-hoc tests. Results indicated that the intervention significantly reduced perceived stress and enhanced the quality of marital interactions, with effects maintained at short-term follow-up. These findings align with previous studies and highlight the capacity of relationship-based mindfulness to manage conflicts, foster empathy, and improve couples’ relational skills. The study underscores the potential of this intervention as an evidence-based approach for family counselors and preventive programs targeting marital communication issues. Limitations include a small sample size, short-term follow-up, and self-report measures; future studies are recommended to utilize larger samples and longer follow-up periods to examine the durability of intervention effects.

Keywords: relationship-based mindfulness, perceived stress, marital interaction quality, couples with communication problems