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Racial discrimination and relationship functioning among African American couples
Justin A Lavner1, Allen W Barton2, Chalandra M Bryant3
1Department of Psychology, University of Georgia.
Summary
Racial discrimination negatively impacts African American relationships. Men experiencing discrimination showed more psychological aggression and instability, while women showed more physical aggression.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Family Studies
Background:
- Racial discrimination is a significant stressor for African Americans, affecting mental and physical health.
- Limited research has explored the impact of racial discrimination on couple functioning within African American communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the associations between self-reported racial discrimination and couple functioning (aggression, satisfaction, instability).
- To investigate these associations in rural, predominantly low-income, heterosexual African American couples with an early adolescent child.
Main Methods:
- Utilized dyadic data from 344 African American couples.
- Assessed self-reported experiences of racial discrimination.
- Measured psychological and physical aggression, relationship satisfaction, and instability.
Main Results:
- Experiences of racial discrimination were prevalent in both men and women.
- Higher racial discrimination was linked to poorer relationship functioning.
- Men with more discrimination reported increased psychological aggression and relationship instability; women reported increased physical aggression.
Conclusions:
- Racial discrimination appears to negatively affect relationship functioning among African American couples.
- These effects are independent of financial hardship, highlighting discrimination's unique impact.
- Further research is needed to understand the underlying processes and long-term consequences.
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