Dyadic links between adverse childhood experiences, mindfulness, and relationship quality in a diverse sample of couples

Abstract

Emerging research finds negative implications of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) for individual relational outcomes. The current study advanced these explorations by utilizing a risk and resilience approach, as well as a family systems framework that considers couple dynamics. We tested the concurrent dyadic links among (ACEs), mindfulness, and relationship quality in a racially and economically diverse sample of different-gender couples ( N = 801). Results from actor-partner interdependence models indicate men’s and women’s ACEs were associated with their own lower relationship functioning as expected. Further, men’s ACEs were associated with women’s lower relationship functioning. Importantly, men’s and women’s mindfulness level were each uniquely and positively associated with their own and their partner’s relationship functioning. Comparatively, the links between mindfulness and one’s own and their partner’s relationship functioning were stronger than the links between ACEs and relationship quality. Suggestions for research and practice are provided.