ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that mindful attention may promote relationship functioning by inducing awareness of relationship-threatening impulses and feelings that may otherwise escape consciousness. It shows that many problems in romantic relationships can be traced down to the flipside of mindful presence: mindlessness. In addition to informing theory about romantic relationships, the potentially important role of mindful awareness in romantic relationships may be of significant practical value. The chapter also shows that mindfulness may promote emotional attenuation, constructive communication, and may facilitate the activation of motivational and regulatory resources. While mindfulness can be relationship-protective because it fosters attenuation and communication, particularly intense thoughts, feelings, or impulses may require further regulation attempts. There is some evidence that mindfulness indeed may result in relationship-protective responses in the face of relationship-threatening feelings or impulses. Several studies have demonstrated that mindfulness is associated with forgiving tendencies, suggesting that mindful awareness may help an individual to regulate negative and retaliatory responses toward an offending partner.
