Exploring Parental Approval and Disapproval for Black and White Interracial Couples

Abstract

Black and White interracial couples encounter societal and familial assessments

Interracial Couples in Therapy: Common Themes and Issues

“…The challenge is to help partners realize that both “truths” can coexist based on their lived experience. (For additional discussion of the impact of microaggressions on interracial couples, see the Castle Bell & Hastings, article on parental approval and disapproval in this volume).…”

Concluding Thoughts: Interethnic Marriage through the Lens of Interdependence Theory

“…() and Craig‐Henderson and Lewis () suggested that researchers need to examine interethnic couples using prospective or longitudinal methods. This would be especially helpful in understanding the role of the social network (Castle Bell and Hastings, ; Leslie and Young, ) and changes in racial identity of the partners (Afful et al., ). Perhaps there is disapproval of some in the social network early in the marriage, but these perceptions become more positive over time.…”

“…Castle Bell and Hastings (2015) cite prior research suggesting that social disapproval, marginalization, and lack of validation of interethnic couples is not uncommon. As noted by Leslie and Young (2015), these disapprovals may be blatant or take the form of microaggressions.…”

“…Additionally Leslie and Young (2015) note that these couples may experience increased differences in opinion on raising their multiracial children. Similarly, Castle Bell and Hastings (2015) suggest that there may be more disagreements about educational choices in interethnic than intraethnic couples. Prior research suggests that religion, children's racial socialization, and family values, may be closely tied to the partners' ethnic identities (e.g., Brown & Krishnakumar, 2007;Thomas et al, 2014).…”

“…On the other hand, if the couple has family support, it may buffer against challenges and be rewarding for the couple. For couples who have dual parental support, Castle Bell and Hastings () mentioned that the family as a unit can also be supportive in confronting challenges, by being an interdependent whole that mitigates public face threats to the relationship.…”