Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for partnerships

Section A summarises theory and research relevant to understanding the interaction between intimate-partnership and depressive relapse. Interpersonal theories of depression are introduced. Following this, extant empirical studies examining the effects of interpersonal processes on depressive relapse are critically evaluated. As these studies do not consider how depressive relapse might affect the intimate-partner over time, a separate body of literature examining the impact of depression on intimate-partners is reviewed. Limitations and gaps in the existing evidence-base are discussed, and areas for future research are outlined, such as studies to understand the bidirectional interaction and to explore alternative interventions that enable both partners to cope with relapses.
Section B presents a Grounded Theory study of the process of engaging in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), which is a relapse prevention strategy for depression, as an intimate-partnership. Twelve participants took part in a semi-structured interview about their experience of the MBCT course. These data were triangulated with sessional data from an MBCT course and facilitator validation. The proposed theory captured the ‘process of learning new mindfulness skills together’. While intimate-partnerships who engaged in an MBCT course seemed to learn similar mindfulness skills as in individual MBCT courses, learning as a partnership seemed to facilitate home practice, attendance and a sense of mutual support, which led to unique outcomes for the partnership and their sense of responsibility for each others’ wellbeing. Limitations and implications are discussed.
Section C provides a critical appraisal of the process of conducting this research study, including the researcher’s learning experience, implications for clinical practice and future research.