Improving romantic relationship quality through mindfulness

Mindfulness and Romantic Relationship Quality

Phase 1 Interventional University of Delaware · NCT04177836

This study is testing if a mindfulness program can help couples improve their romantic relationships compared to a relaxation activity.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment274 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Delaware Academic / other
Locations1 site (Newark, Delaware)
Trial IDNCT04177836 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to experimentally test whether a mindfulness intervention can enhance the quality of romantic relationships. Couples from the community will be randomly assigned to either a mindfulness intervention or an active control group for 14 days, using a smartphone app to complete the interventions. The mindfulness intervention focuses on increasing attention and acceptance of current experiences, while the control group will engage in a relaxation-based activity. After the intervention period, couples will attend a lab visit to provide data on their relationship quality through various methods.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are couples living together for at least two years who are fluent in English and do not regularly practice mindfulness.

Not a fit: Patients who engage in regular systematic mind-body practices more than twice a week may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to improved relationship satisfaction and overall well-being for couples.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that mindfulness interventions can reduce stress and improve well-being, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Couples living together for at least 2 years
* Both partners must be fluent in English
* Both partners cannot already engage in regular systematic mind-body practice (\>2 times per week).
* Both partners must have daily access to an internet-enabled smartphone to complete the intervention

Exclusion Criteria:

-

Where this trial is running

Newark, Delaware

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions The Focus of the Study is Romantic Relationship QualityRomantic relationship qualityMindfulness
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.