Patterns of Attachment and Responses to Accommodative Dilemmas among Interethnic/Interracial Couples

Abstract

In the present study, partners from 103 heterosexual interethnic/interracial couples (103 men and 103 women) completed categorical measures of attachment style and continuous measures of responses to accommodative dilemmas. Consistent with hypotheses, there was a significantly higher proportion of secure over insecure individuals among both sexes. Further, the difference between secure and insecure individuals' accommodative tendencies was greater for

An Interdependence Approach to Relationship Maintenance in Interracial Marriage

“…On the one hand, most of the research focused on interracial couples finds no indication that interracial marriages are more difficult to maintain than intraracial marriages; Troy, Lewis-Smith, and Laurenceau (2006), for example, found no differences in the relational satisfaction, conflict style, coping, or attachment styles of individuals interracial versus intraracial relationships. Indeed, Gaines et al (1999) found high levels of a secure attachment in interracial couples. Furthermore, Leslie and Letiecq (2004) found that despite expectations to the contrary, network social support is not a particularly strong predictor of interracial marital quality.…”

“…Indeed, Gaines et al. () found high levels of a secure attachment in interracial couples. Furthermore, Leslie and Letiecq () found that despite expectations to the contrary, network social support is not a particularly strong predictor of interracial marital quality.…”

How Couples Manage Interracial and Intercultural Differences: Implications for Clinical Practice

“…Such couples tend to report awareness of differences and curiosity about possible differences (Ham, 2003; Ting‐Toomey, 2009). Directly dealing with these issues may actually enhance intimacy (Gaines et al., 1999; Troy et al., 2006). How couples communicate about difference within the relationship and with others seems to be of prime importance (Llerena‐Quinn & Bacigalupe, 2009).…”

Interracial Relationships in Hawaii

“…However, this mechanism can result in total isolation from support including those that the natural extended family system might afford (Falicov, 1995;Ratliff, Moon, & Bonacci, 1978). Therefore interracial couples may face ostracism and opposition not only from society at large, but also from their earliest attachment figures (Gaines et al, 1999). Whereas it is important to bring up the difficulties that interracial couples may face from individuals within and outside of their racial communities, including their families, because those difficulties could create tension within the relationship, it is also important to recognize that most interracial couples are aware of the biases against interracial marriages that exist in society and have given considerable thought to how they will approach the matter within and outside of their communities.…”