Marital Satisfaction Among African Americans and Black Caribbeans: Findings From the National Survey of American Life*

Abstract

This study examines the correlates of marital satisfaction using data from a national probability sample of African Americans (N = 962) and Black Caribbeans (N = 560). Findings reveal differences between African Americans and Black Caribbeans, and men and women within those groups, in the predictors of marital satisfaction. Black Caribbean women reported overall higher levels of marital satisfaction than African American women. The findings amply demonstrate the significance of ethnic diversity within the Black population in the United States. Difficulties with finances (budgeting, credit issues, and debt management) are one of the key issues that generate conflict in marriages; stress generated as a result of financial problems can lower marital satisfaction. Because these issues are salient for couples at any given time in the family life cycle, counseling at critical points in the marriage (birth of children, launching of children from home, and retirement) may be helpful.

Stress, Marital Satisfaction, and Psychological Distress Among African Americans

“…This finding is consistent with that of other studies reporting an association between economic factors (Bryant et al, 2008;Clark-Nicolas & Gray-Little, 1991), financial strain (Cutrona et al, 2003), and lower marital quality among African American couples. Stressors such as financial strain trigger negative emotions and make it more likely that people will express anger and dissatisfaction to one another (Bolger, Foster, Vinokur, & Ng, 1996).…”

Subjective Well-Being of Older African Americans with DSM IV Psychiatric Disorders

“…This is consistent with research on non-Hispanic whites and African Americans which finds that women have lower levels of marital satisfaction than men (Bryant et al 2008). This is also consistent with research which notes that benefits of marriage are frequently stronger for men than women (Berkman & Breslow 1983).…”

Ethnic Minority Status, Depression, and Cognitive Failures in Relation to Marital Adjustment in Ethnically Diverse Older Women

“…The depression finding is suggestive of depression being under-diagnosed and/or under-treated in this population, in line with results of other researchers (e.g., Pfatt & Almeida, 2005). Moreover, most of our research participants had limited education: considering that 70% of the sample self-identified as an ethnic minority, this finding corroborates Bryant, Taylor, Lincoln, Chatters, and Jackson’s (2008) report of lower educational achievements in ethnic minorities compared to Caucasians.…”