Couples coping with multiple sclerosis: a dyadic perspective on the roles of mindfulness and acceptance

This study investigated the roles of mindfulness and acceptance on adjustment in couples coping with multiple sclerosis (MS)
by examining the effects of an individual’s mindfulness and acceptance on their own adjustment (actor effects) and the effects
of their partner’s mindfulness and acceptance on their adjustment (partner effects) using the Actor-Partner Interdependence
Model. The study was a cross-sectional standard dyadic design that collected data from couples coping with MS. Sixty-nine
couples completed measures of mindfulness, acceptance and adjustment (depression, anxiety, life satisfaction, positive affect
and relationship satisfaction). As hypothesised there were actor effects of mindfulness and acceptance on better adjustment,
however, the beneficial actor effects of mindfulness were only evident on depression and anxiety. The actor effects of both
mindfulness and acceptance on relationship satisfaction were moderated by MS status. Regarding partner effects, there was
support for the beneficial impact of acceptance on partner relationship satisfaction. In addition, the partner effect of acceptance
moderated the actor effect of acceptance on depression, such that the actor effect on lower depression was weaker when the
partner reported high acceptance. Findings support the roles of mindfulness and acceptance in shaping individual and dyadic
adjustment in couples coping with chronic illness.