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Using the Race Model Inequality to Quantify Behavioral Multisensory Integration Effects
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Race and Relationships: An Exploration of How Individual and Relational Racial Factors Affect African American
Aleja Parsons1, Shalonda Kelly2, Shawn C T Jones3
1Clinical Psychologist, University of Denver, Carrollton, Texas, USA.
Journal of Marital and Family Therapy
|December 16, 2025
Summary
For African American (AA) couples, discussions about race are crucial for relationship satisfaction. Support for these conversations and a shared AA couple identity positively impact relationship outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Relationship Science
Background:
- Stable relationships are vital for African American (AA) couples.
- Limited research addresses the unique aspects of AA relationships.
- This study explores race-specific factors within AA couples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the role of race-related discussions in AA relationships.
- To investigate the impact of perceived support for these discussions.
- To explore the influence of AA couple identity and beliefs about relationship uniqueness.
Main Methods:
- 137 African American adults in heterosexual relationships with an AA partner completed surveys.
- Data included individual- and relational-level race-related constructs.
- Descriptive statistics, correlational, and regression analyses were used.
Main Results:
- Identified patterns in the occurrence, frequency, and content of race-related conversations.
- Found significant relationships between the frequency and supportiveness of race talks and cultural/couple outcomes.
- Supportive race discussions were linked to positive relationship and cultural outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Race-related conversations and a shared AA couple identity are significant factors in relationship maintenance.
- Strengths-based approaches can inform future research and clinical practice for AA couples.
- Understanding these unique factors is essential for fostering healthy AA relationships.
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