Erkan, ItirKafescioglu, NiluferCavdar, AlevZeytinoglu-Saydam, Senem2024-07-182024-07-1820210194-472X1752-0606https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12462https://hdl.handle.net/11411/7849Using attachment theory as the framework, this qualitative study focused on the romantic relationship experiences of regular mindfulness meditators and their meditation-naive or nonregularly meditating partners (NMPs). The sample consisted of eight heterosexual and two same-sex couples. Thematic analysis (TA) yielded seven themes on three levels. Three intrapersonal themes were (a) meta-awareness of one's emotional strategies; (b) shift in emotion regulation strategies; and (c) shift in relationship with oneself. The relationship-level themes of meditators emerged as (d) experiential shift in stressful situations; (e) transformation of the emotional bond; and (f) transformation of the romantic relationship; the nonmeditating partners confirmed the relational and individual shifts due to their partner's practice. Integrating attachment theory with meditation practice can thus be a valuable approach for couple and family therapy. A regular meditation practice of even just one of the partners may be beneficial for the couple relationship.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessAttachment TheoryCoupleLong? Term MeditatorMeditationMindfulnessThematic AnalysisAttachmentTherapyArticle2-s2.0-8509707665410.1111/jmft.12462647333275285Q162947Q2WOS:000595471400001