Interracial Couples in Therapy: Common Themes and Issues

Concluding Thoughts: Interethnic Marriage through the Lens of Interdependence Theory

“…However, many have opposed interethnic marriages because of the expected myriad costs of such relationships. Leslie and Young () suggest that partners may ask themselves what marrying outside of their race means about who they are and that White partners especially may experience embarrassment, guilt, or anger. Afful et al.…”

“…Some social costs are related to family. Leslie and Young () note the loss of family support and the grieving associated with such loss. Castle Bell and Hastings () indicate that interethnic partners may suffer emotional pain and feel like an enemy for breaking up a family, they may be unwelcome in their parents’ homes, and this tension can reinforce negative face threats.…”

“…() 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.…”

“…Other rewards of being in an interethnic marriage may include learning more about a different cultural group (Leslie & Young, 2015) and developing a more inclusive ethnic identity. For example, one may develop an ethnic identity that is humanist (all people have more similarities than differences; Sellers, Rowley, Chavous, Shelton, & Smith, 1997) or internalization multiculturalist (one identifies with their own ethnic group but also has a perspective that is inclusive of all ethnic groups; Worrell, Vandiver, Cross, & Fhagen-Smith, 2004).…”

“…However, many have opposed interethnic marriages because of the expected myriad costs of such relationships. Leslie and Young (2015) suggest that partners may ask themselves what marrying outside of their race means about who they are and that White partners especially may experience embarrassment, guilt, or anger. Afful et al (2015) suggest that African Americans in interethnic relationships believed their Black identities were challenged by other African Americans because they were viewed as supporting a racist society or not appreciating their ethnic roots.…”