Black–White Marriages: The Moderating Role of Openness on Experience of Couple Discrimination and Marital Satisfaction

Abstract

This study examined how open communication between spouses may buffer against discrimination experienced by Black–White couples. Results from 178 couples analyzed using a combination of common‐fate and actor–partner interdependence models, indicated that for Black partners, marital satisfaction was not contingent on the level of openness when experiences of couple discrimination were low. When experiences of couple discrimination were high, levels of marital satisfaction were maintained among partners who reported high openness and reduced among partners who reported low openness. Moderation effects were not found for White partners. The results suggest that because Black partners are more aware of and sensitized to discrimination, White partners’ abilities to attune to their partners’ needs for support could help enhance their relationships.

Anti-Muslim Hatred in the U.S.: Couple Therapy Implications for Discriminated Muslim Couples

“…Conversely, maladaptive strategies may exacerbate the situation byleading to conflict and harm to the victims and those close to them. Being in a minority and feeling rejected by society can often cause stress and tension between romantic partners (Baptist et al, 2018;Genc & Baptist, 2020;Genc & Su, 2021).…”

“…On the other hand, these difficult experiences may strengthen intimate relationships through creating chances for closeness and support. Thus, the relationship may function better through increased commitment, stability, and satisfaction (Baptist et al, 2018;Genc & Su, 2021;Kamen, Burns, & Beach, 2011).…”

“…Previous studies of minority couples (e.g., interracial and same-sex couples) provide some insights into minority discrimination and relationship outcomes. For instance, discrimination experiences reduce relationship satisfaction and interaction in interracial couples (e.g., Baptist et al, 2018;Genc &Su, 2021), although minority couples canmitigate the destructiveeffectsof discrimination and protecttheir relationships (e.g., Baptist et al, 2018;Gamarel et al, 2014;Genc & Su, 2021). In particular, relationship maintenance strategies, such as positivity, honesty, problem solving skills, joint coping skills, and religiosity, lessen the effects of discrimination and strengthen relationship quality (Baptist et al, 2018;Genc & Baptist, 2020;Genc & Su, 2021).…”

“…For instance, discrimination experiences reduce relationship satisfaction and interaction in interracial couples (e.g., Baptist et al, 2018;Genc &Su, 2021), although minority couples canmitigate the destructiveeffectsof discrimination and protecttheir relationships (e.g., Baptist et al, 2018;Gamarel et al, 2014;Genc & Su, 2021). In particular, relationship maintenance strategies, such as positivity, honesty, problem solving skills, joint coping skills, and religiosity, lessen the effects of discrimination and strengthen relationship quality (Baptist et al, 2018;Genc & Baptist, 2020;Genc & Su, 2021). These responses could be essential in lessening the destructive impacts of discrimination on Muslim couples since, like minority couples, they may also use similar strategies to improve their relationships and alleviate the effects of religionbased discrimination.…”

Stigma and Relationship Quality: The Relevance of Racial-Ethnic Worldview in Interracial Relationships in the United States

“…When Lehmiller and Agnew ( 2006 ) explored the association between relationship marginalization and relationship investment and commitment, they found that being in a marginalized relationship (i.e., same-sex, interracial, or age-gap) was associated with lower levels of investments in relationships. Stigma as a result of relationship type has been related to lower levels of commitment, trust, love, and even relationship satisfaction (Baptist et al, 2019 ; Vazquez et al, 2019 ). There is evidence that not all individuals in interracial relationships are negatively impacted by stigma.…”