UROP Project
Mapping Meditation-Based Interventions in Couple and Family Research
Meditation, Mindfulness, Couple and Family Relationships, Mental Health, and Literature Review
Research Mentor: Mr. RUIMENG GAO, Raymond
Department, College, Affiliation: Human Development and Family Science, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: rg25b@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Human Development and Family Science, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: rg25b@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Psychology; Human Development and Family Science; Social Work; Sociology; Behavioral Sciences; Public Health
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Psychology; Human Development and Family Science; Social Work; Sociology; Behavioral Sciences; Public Health
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Monday, August 31
Start Time: 2:00
End Time: 3:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/99931546274 - Day: Monday, August 31
Start Time: 3:00
End Time: 4:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/98882291589
Project Description
Meditation and mindfulness practices are increasingly used to support mental health and relationships, yet researchers vary in how they define these practices, how they are delivered, and how they may contribute to changes in couple and family relationships. This project will conduct a structured review of existing research to examine how meditation- and mindfulness-based interventions have been conceptualized and used in relational contexts.The project will explore several questions: How do researchers define and distinguish meditation and mindfulness? What types of meditation practices have been studied with couples and families? How are these practices delivered (e.g., individually or with partners, online or in person, guided or self-guided)? What theories are used to explain how meditation may influence relationships? What relational outcomes, such as relationship satisfaction, attachment, communication, intimacy, compassion, or emotion regulation, have been examined?
The goal is to develop a clearer map of how meditation has been studied within couple and family research and identify gaps that may inform future research and intervention development. The project is expected to involve literature searching, study screening, organization and coding of research articles, and synthesis of findings. Results may contribute to a research poster and potentially a future scholarly manuscript.
Research Tasks: The research assistant will participate in multiple stages of a structured literature review. Tasks may include:
Conducting literature searches using academic databases (e.g., PsycINFO, PubMed, Google Scholar)
Screening article titles, abstracts, and full texts based on established inclusion and exclusion criteria
Organizing articles and maintaining a literature database
Extracting and coding information from selected studies, including definitions of meditation/mindfulness, intervention type, population, delivery format, duration/frequency, theoretical framework, relational outcomes, and measures
Collaboration on discuss articles, resolve coding questions, and refine the review process
Assisting with identifying patterns and gaps across the literature
Assisting with preparation of a UROP research poster and, depending on project progress, a scholarly manuscript
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required:
Attention to detail and organizational skills
Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
Willingness to learn research skills
Recommended:
Ability to read and understand academic articles
Interest in meditation, mindfulness, mental health, or couple and family relationships
Previous research or literature review experience (not required)
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring philosophy emphasizes collaboration, mutual respect, open communication, and growth. I believe that although mentors and mentees have different levels of research experience and responsibilities, both bring valuable perspectives to the research process. As a mentor, I hope to provide guidance based on my research experience while also respecting students' voices, ideas, interests, and creativity.I view mentoring as a balance between providing structure and encouraging independence. At the beginning of the project, I will provide more direct guidance and training to help the research assistant develop foundational research skills and understand the goals and expectations of the project. As their skills and confidence develop, I hope to gradually provide greater independence and ownership of their work. I encourage students to ask questions, propose new ideas, and respectfully challenge existing assumptions rather than simply follow instructions.
I also value transparent and direct communication. I hope to create an environment where expectations and feedback can be openly discussed and where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for learning rather than something to fear. At the same time, I believe growth often requires appropriate challenges, accountability, and willingness to move beyond one's comfort zone. Ultimately, I hope that our mentoring relationship allows us to learn from one another while helping the student develop the confidence, independence, creativity, and research skills necessary for their future academic and professional goals.