Studies investigating the potential structures underlying the connection between mindfulness and romantic relationship quality are not sufficient and require additional empirical findings. The current study aimed to examine a hypothesized model underlying the association between mindfulness and relationship quality, while investigating the roles of individuals' level of awareness and application of care in a romantic relationship among 199 adult participants in a southeastern region of the United States. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and path analysis were executed to examine the hypothesized structural model, testing a multi-step pathway as to how mindfulness influences relationship quality. The SEM and path analyses showed a good fit for the present study's hypothesized model, indicating that individuals' mindfulness had a direct influence on their self-awareness level. Individuals' self-awareness and application of care mediated the link between mindfulness and relationship quality. Implications for family life educators, dyadic couples researchers, and marriage and family practitioners are discussed.
Keywords: caring behaviors; couples relationship quality; mindfulness; self‐awareness.
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