Progress 10/01/01 to 09/30/06
Outputs
The current project is terminating early due to the principal investigator's departure from the University of Illinois. The termination report below reflects the progress and findings from the project as of September 30, 2002. The objectives of this investigation were to examine the contextual and environmental correlates of relationship functioning for committed African American/white interracial couples recruited from of areas country known to be historically tolerant (West Coast region) and intolerant (Southeast region) of such relationships. A total of 51 couples were recruited from the west coast region, and 110 couples were recruited from the southeast. Interracial couples recruited from the west coast were as adjusted and satisfied with their relationships and outside supports as both groups of same-race couples. West coast interracial couples were as accepting of their partners as same-race couples, and such acceptance was found to be related to each other's
satisfaction with the relationship. Although west coast interacial couples were more likely than their same-race counterparts to experience more subtle or covert forms of discrimination, such experiences were unrelated to measures of relationship functioning. In contrast, interracial couples recruited from the southeast were dissatisfied with their relationships, but were not significantly different than same-race couples in their reports of relationship distress. All couple groups recruited from the southeast reported feeling more isolated from family and friendship networks, with female partners in interracial couples reporting greatest isolation. Contrary to expectations, for female partners in interracial relationships such isolation was positively related to relationship functioning. Interracial couples recruited from the southeastern regions were also more likely than same-race couples to experience subtle or covert forms of discrimination. However, such reports of
discrimination were negatively related to relationship satisfaction. Demographic differences between the west coast and southeastern samples (duration of relationship, education, socioeconomic status) may account for regional differences in levels of relationship satisfaction, social isolation, and the influence of discrimination on relationship functioning. However, given that regions of the southeast have historically been intolerant of such unions, interracial couples might be more likely to experience discrimination and isolation in less tolerant areas which may contribute to relationship difficulties. This may be particularly problematic for female partners who may feel pressured to remain in an unhappy interracial relationship rather than be isolated from family and friendship networks. Such isolation may render interracial couples more vulnerable to the negative effects of experiences with discrimination. Variables that contributed to satisfaction and resiliency in interracial
relationships were partners' ability to provide each other with acceptance and support in the face of discrimination, and partners' ability to communicate constructively about relationship concerns.
Impacts
Findings from the current investigation can have significant impact on marital distress prevention and treatment programs for interracial couples. First, these results indicate the importance of addressing the influence of family members' level of acceptance or rejection of the relationship. Perceived isolation from family and friendship networks may be an added stressor for the couple that could contribute to relationship distress. Second, these findings inidicate that regional differences in tolerance of interracial unions has significant impact on the types of stressors interracial couples experience, and as a result affect degree of relationship functioning. Finally, these findings also have implications for strategies to promote resiliency for interracial couples in the face of such stressors. In summary, the findings from the present study are significant in their potential to improve the efficacy for prevention and treatment programs for ethnic minority couples
at risk for relationship distress.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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