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Predicting relationship stability among midlife African American couples
Carolyn E Cutrona1, Daniel W Russell, Rebecca G Burzette
1Department of Psychology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA. ccutrona@iastate.edu
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|October 19, 2011
Summary
Education, income, and religiosity predict relationship stability in African American couples. Higher education and income, and greater religiosity, are linked to more stable marriages and families.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Family Studies
Background:
- Relationship stability is crucial for family well-being.
- The vulnerability-stress-adaptation model provides a framework for understanding relationship dynamics.
- Socioeconomic and cultural factors significantly impact relationship stability in African American couples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify predictors of relationship stability over five years in African American couples.
- To examine the roles of education, income, family structure, financial strain, and religiosity.
- To test the vulnerability-stress-adaptation model in this population.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 207 African American couples (cohabiting and married).
- Data collected at Wave 1 included education, income, religiosity, family structure, marital status, financial strain, and relationship quality.
- Relationship stability was assessed five years later.
Main Results:
- Higher education correlated with higher income, lower financial strain, and more stable family structures (marriage, biological families).
- These factors, in turn, positively influenced relationship quality and stability.
- Religiosity was a significant resource, promoting stability through associations with marriage, biological family status, and women's relationship quality.
Conclusions:
- Societal changes are needed to improve education and income opportunities for African American couples.
- Interventions supporting blended families and incorporating spirituality are recommended.
- Culturally sensitive programs can enhance relationship stability and well-being.
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