Mindfulness for couples to improve relationship satisfaction
Official title: Evaluating a Mindfulness-Based Couple Intervention (MBCI): A Randomized Feasibility Trial With Progression to Full-scale Trial
Run by Behavioural Science Institute · NCT07433582 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether a Mindfulness-Based Couple Intervention helps partners in relationships longer than two years feel more satisfied and closer compared with an online self-expansion program or being on a waitlist.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 426 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Behavioural Science Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nijmegen, Gelderland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 3, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 2028 |
| Study ends | September 2028 |
| Registry record updated | April 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07433582 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Committed couples aged over 20 who have been together for more than two years and can speak Dutch are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Couples currently in relationship therapy, with recent intensive mindfulness training, serious recent partner violence, or severe mental disorders are unlikely to benefit from this trial.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a feasibility randomized trial with planned progression to a full-scale RCT if stoppage criteria are not met, comparing a Mindfulness-Based Couple Intervention (MBCI) to an online active control self-expansion intervention and a waitlist control. Couples complete questionnaires at baseline, post-intervention, and up to six months follow-up to measure relationship satisfaction and related processes. The trial excludes couples with recent mindfulness training, ongoing relationship therapy, severe mental disorder, recent partner violence, or insufficient Dutch language skills. Additional methodologies beyond questionnaires will be used to explore possible mechanisms and moderators of change.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could provide couples with a scalable program that improves relationship satisfaction and closeness.
How similar studies have gone: Previous smaller studies link mindfulness to better relationship outcomes but they are few and methodologically limited, so this trial uses a stronger randomized design with an active control.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age \>20 years * relationship duration of \>2 years Exclusion Criteria: * One or both partners have followed an MBSR- or MBCT training or similar mindfulness program for at least four sessions in the past three years. * One or both partners are currently in relationship therapy. * One or both partners are unable to sufficiently speak and understand the Dutch language. * Presence of severe mental disorders in one or both partners, namely addiction, suicidality (in the past 12 months) or psychosis (in the past 12 months?). * Presence of partner violence (in the last 12 months)
Where it's running
-
Behavioral Science Institute, Radboud University
Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Johan C.T.M. Karremans, Prof. PhD
- Email: johan.karremans@ru.nl
- Phone: +31616805575
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.