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Interracial Couples at Risk: Discrimination, Well-Being, and Health.
Patricia S Pittman1, Claire Kamp Dush2, Keeley J Pratt1
1Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
Journal of Family Issues
|August 14, 2025
Summary
Interracial couples, particularly Black/White pairings, face higher stress and discrimination, leading to increased depressive symptoms and poorer self-rated health. These factors may explain the observed health disparities in stigmatized relationships.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- The growing number of interracial couples in the U.S. necessitates an examination of relationship-related stressors.
- Societal stigma associated with interracial relationships may impact couple well-being and health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if individuals in Black/White interracial couples experience heightened stress and discrimination.
- To determine if these couples report worse depression and self-rated health.
- To explore the mediating roles of perceived stress and discrimination in these health disparities.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the AddHealth study.
- Employed ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions to analyze associations.
- Assessed biological sex differences in the examined relationships.
Main Results:
- Interracial couples reported higher levels of discrimination and perceived stress compared to White couples.
- Individuals in interracial relationships exhibited more depressive symptoms and poorer self-rated health.
- Findings suggest stress and discrimination may mediate the link between interracial relationships and adverse health outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Interracial relationships, particularly Black/White pairings, are associated with increased stressors and negative health indicators.
- Perceived stress and discrimination appear to be significant pathways contributing to poorer well-being in these couples.
- Further research is needed to explore additional stressors and confirm the impact of relationship stigma on health.
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