Date Available

4-27-2017

Year of Publication

2017

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Document Type

Master's Thesis

College

Education

Department/School/Program

Kinesiology and Health Promotion

First Advisor

Dr. Kristen Mark

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between mindfulness and its link to sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction. Data were collected from 809 individuals (18.8% bisexual, 60.7% straight, 19.2% gay/lesbian) in romantic relationships. Participants completed an online survey to measure mindfulness (five facets: observing of experience, describing with words, acting with awareness, non judging of inner experience, non reactivity to inner experience), sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction. Results from two multivariate analyses (predicting sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction) revealed that relationship satisfaction is significantly predicted by three of the five facets of mindfulness – acting with awareness, describing with words, and non judging of inner experience. Sexual satisfaction was significantly predicted by the non judging of inner experience facet of mindfulness. Non judging of inner experience was the only facet that significantly predicted both relationship and sexual satisfaction. These findings indicate that when individuals are able to take a non-evaluative stance towards their sensations, cognitions, and emotions, they are more likely to be satisfied. Future research and clinical intervention for improving satisfaction may benefit from focusing on mindfulness related to the non judging of inner experience. Implications for clinical practice and future research will be discussed.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.13023/ETD.2017.144

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