Our purpose is to introduce a novel technique for evoking emotions associated with moments of closeness with another person (relational savoring), to describe its theoretical grounding, specifics of treatment targets and outcomes, as well as to provide the preliminary evidence for its efficacy in promoting flourishing. We rely on attachment theory, the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions, and emotion-focused therapy as foundations for our understanding of how secure relationships are built and maintained and for proposing how relational savoring can promote flourishing through strengthening relationships. To illustrate specific mechanisms of change, we provide examples from a recently completed study of mothers of young children. Finally, we discuss how the technique can be integrated into clinical practice as well as how it might be used to augment other forms of therapy. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/pst0000284 | DOI Listing |
Int J Aging Hum Dev
January 2025
Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
Well-being has been shown to improve with age, but underlying mechanisms are unclear. We tested a conceptual model that posited that age-related increases in present time orientation foster greater dispositional mindfulness and savoring the moment, and that these psychological processes are pathways that link older age to better well-being. U.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEmotion
February 2025
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis.
Savoring moments can foster well-being. Older adults are theorized to prioritize emotional well-being in daily life, which directs their attention to positive aspects of life. In this study, with data collected from 2018 to 2021, 285 adults aged 25-85 completed an experience sampling procedure (six times a day for 10 days) where they reported their experienced emotions, whether they were savoring the moment, and how close they felt to their most recent social partner.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFContemp Clin Trials Commun
October 2024
Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
J Anxiety Disord
August 2024
Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Anxiety disorders are common and highly distressing mental health conditions. Exposure therapy is a gold-standard treatment for anxiety disorders. Mechanisms of Pavlovian fear learning, and particularly fear extinction, are central to exposure therapy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSavoring impacts parents' emotions and parent-child relationship quality. Using data from a randomized controlled trial (N = 164 mothers of 18-27-month-olds, 37 interveners) conducted with a community sample in the United States, this study examined predictors of fidelity and treatment outcomes across two savoring preventative interventions (relational savoring and personal savoring). Treatment outcome indicators were selected from a battery administered immediately post-intervention (maternal closeness to child) and at a 3-month follow-up (maternal sensitivity, reflective functioning).
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